ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Monday marks the home opener for the Rays and their first game back at Tropicana Field.
What You Need To Know
Local businesses expect boost from return of the Rays to Tropicana Field
St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce CEO said some local businesses were down 30% without the Rays
The Rays home opener is Monday against the Cubs
The team spent last season playing in Tampa at George Steinbrenner Field after damage from Hurricane Milton.
Businesses are ready for the boost that comes from game day, including Poppo’s Taqueria.
General Manager Kyle Frantz said they’re happy to see the Rays back home.
“Their stadium is only like a block and a half away so the foot traffic alone increases business,” he said.
Frantz said an entire season with the Rays playing in Tampa didn’t feel right.
He said both Poppo’s and many other shops felt the effects on their business.
“So many local people depend on the people coming in and the baseball games and everything that brings people to our area,” Frantz said. “Without the Rays, that is a very large amount of people that aren’t showing up around here.”
Down the road at Ferg’s, they agree.
Ferg’s co-owner Jake Ferguson said home games did not feel the same as past years.
“We felt the difference,” he said. “You know, it was like kind of dull, and there wasn’t much energy during the game.”
Chris Steinocher, the President and CEO of the St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Rays being back at the Trop should lead to a big uptick for local businesses.
“For businesses in St. Pete to be down 30%, you’re talking about the livelihood of jobs and shifts and people that aren’t coming in to get their jobs done,” he said. “So their families are starting to wonder how they get paid.”