RaysTop story
The Rays' World Series run brought an estimated $40 million to Pinellas County
World Series crowds were more than twice the Rays' usual average
Source: WUSF
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| World Series games, average | 40,464 |
| Regular season, average | 17,469 |
If you wondered what those crowds were worth, here's the estimate: about $40 million countywide, including $22 million in direct visitor spending from Oct. 25 through 29. Hotel revenue across Pinellas County rose 95% during the three home games, compared with the same dates in 2025. The figures cover all of Pinellas, not just St. Petersburg.
Businesses near the Trop felt it. Ferg's Sports Bar brought in more than $1.2 million in three days, which owner Mark Ferguson called its busiest three days in 34 years. At Grand Central Brewhouse, sales climbed 30% over the previous Monday through Wednesday.
- Hotel occupancy: 79% on average, peaking at 85% on Oct. 27
- Out-of-town visitors: about 34% more during the five days
- Police: about 100 officers; full cost not yet reported
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue reported $58,880.25 in staffing costs for the three games. Deputy Chief Brett Ciskoski said the Rays would reimburse it.
The run in numbers
- $40 million
- estimated impact on Pinellas County
- $22 million
- in direct visitor spending
- 95%
- rise in hotel revenue during the games
- $58,880
- in Fire Rescue staffing for three games
Source: WUSF
