St. Pete Police are preparing for between 35,000 and 40,000 people at Tropicana Field on Saturday.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Playoff baseball is returning to Tropicana Field for the first time in three years, and St. Petersburg police are preparing for tens of thousands of fans to descend on the city Saturday night.
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to host the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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Police expect between 35,000 and 40,000 people at Tropicana Field, creating what officials say will be a particularly busy night for traffic and pedestrians throughout downtown St. Petersburg.
“This weekend is going to be extremely challenging when it comes to parking and traffic,” St. Pete Police Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev said.
St. Pete police will have more than 100 additional officers deployed downtown for the weekend, on top of officers already working their regular shifts. Nearly 80 officers will be assigned specifically to Tropicana Field. The department’s marine unit will also be working during the weekend, with officers potentially taking land assignments as needed.
The department is urging fans to arrive early and be patient, particularly when leaving parking lots and the downtown area after the game.
“Come down early, enjoy yourselves, and then be patient,” Kovacsev said. “It’s going to take a little bit of patience to leave the parking garages, leave the areas and make sure everybody has a safe and good time.”
St. Petersburg police are also preparing to use technology to help manage the crowds.
For the first time, the department plans to use drones to assist with crowd control. Officers will be able to use the aerial view to monitor traffic and crowds and determine where resources may be needed.
Police will also have QR codes available for fans to scan for information about downtown parking.
With thousands of people expected downtown, police are also reminding fans to take basic precautions with their vehicles and personal belongings.
Kovacsev said fans should lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables where they can be seen.
He also urged people visiting downtown businesses to keep track of their phones, purses and other belongings.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Know what’s going on,” Kovacsev said. “Don’t leave your purse unattended. Don’t leave your cell phone unattended. Just make smart decisions.”
Fans who don’t want to drive all the way to Tropicana Field can also use a free shuttle service operating downtown.
The shuttle will pick up passengers on 2nd Street between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue and take them to Tropicana Field.
“We want everybody to come down early, have a really good time, and make sure they enjoy the Rays playing the Yankees,” Kovacsev said.