The announced crowd of 40,542 in Game 1 of the ALDS in Tampa Bay was the “largest for a postseason game at the Trop since Game 5 of the 2010 ALDS” vs. the Rangers. The Rays hosted its first playoff game following the “extensive repairs to the Trop due to severe damage from Hurricane Milton” in October 2024 and in their first season under new ownership. Rays SS Taylor Walls said the crowd was “absolutely electric” and he had “never seen this place like that.” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “that’s the best crowd noise I’ve ever witnessed in any ballpark.” He added, “The atmosphere that was created, the hype before the game, give (new Rays CEO Ken Babby) and his group an incredible compliment in that we need to create that atmosphere” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 10/3).
Saturday’s crowd made St. Petersburg “look and sound like it was indeed October” (THE ATHLETIC, 10/3).