Businesses around the Trop are preparing for a busy playoff weekend, but the Rays’ eventual move across the bay could change the game for the restaurants and bars.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays’ playoff run is bringing more than baseball excitement to St. Petersburg. Businesses surrounding Tropicana Field are preparing for a surge of fans and sales this weekend, even as the team’s eventual move to Tampa raises questions about their long-term future.

At Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, owner Mark Ferguson is stocking up for what he expects to be one of the biggest days of the year.



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“It’s going to be off the charts because we have college football the same day as the Rays game,” Ferguson said.

With a playoff game on Saturday, Ferguson said he’s coordinating with food and beer suppliers to prepare for the crowds.

“We got all the beer companies lined up, food companies and it’s gonna be a big deal down here on Saturday,” he said.

A few blocks away at Bodega, workers say the impact of a winning Rays team is easy to see.

“Whenever they’re doing good, we’re also doing good,” employee John Harrobin said.

Harrobin said the restaurant typically fills up on game days, with fans stopping in before and after games or gathering to watch the Rays on television.

But the excitement surrounding the team’s playoff run comes with a looming change. The Rays are eventually headed to Tampa, taking thousands of potential game-day customers with them.

For businesses that have built their customer base around Tropicana Field, the move could present a significant challenge.

Eddie Allen, who handles marketing for businesses around the Trop and previously owned a restaurant in the area, said the team has played an important role in the local economy.

“They were kind of what held the businesses together,” Allen said.

He said some of his clients were forced to close when the Rays temporarily relocated to Tampa after hurricane damage to Tropicana Field.

Now, with a permanent move on the horizon, he worries about what will happen to businesses that rely heavily on baseball crowds.

“We’ll see after the Rays leave whether or not the businesses are going to be able to sustain,” Allen said.

At Bodega, employees expect to feel the impact but believe the restaurant’s business outside of baseball season will help soften the blow.

“Other than those few months, I don’t think we’ll be as affected by it because we have our different busy season from other things that go on, but it will be a little damaging,” employee Isabella Garcia said.

Despite the uncertainty, Allen said businesses are focused on making the most of the team’s success while the Rays are still playing in St. Petersburg.

“We have to enjoy the moment, enjoy the now,” he said.

And at least one longtime St. Petersburg business may eventually follow the team across the bay.

When asked whether fans could see another Ferg’s at the Rays’ new stadium site in Tampa, Ferguson suggested it’s a real possibility.

“Most likely you will probably see something over there, but we’ll have to take a look when the plan’s done,” he said.

For now, though, his attention is on Saturday’s playoff game and the crowds expected to fill his bar.

“I’m just living in the moment, taking care of today. We just want the Rays to win Saturday night. That’s all we’re hoping for,” Ferguson said.