Rays fans, the road to the World Series is about to get crowded! With baseball’s biggest stage bringing thousands of fans to St. Petersburg, finding a parking spot near Tropicana Field could be almost as stressful as a ninth inning nail biter.
St. Pete Police expect more than 40,000 people in the area during World Series games, prompting local leaders to urge residents and visitors to plan their transportation before heading downtown.
For longtime locals, the parking crunch is nothing new. St. Petersburg resident Scarlett Davis says major events already make downtown parking difficult, and the World Series could make things even trickier.
Police are warning drivers not to count on finding a convenient spot along a nearby side street. Instead, fans should consider parking farther away and using public transportation, including buses and trams, to get closer to the stadium.
Another option? Skip driving altogether. Police recommend arranging a drop off and pickup, while local transportation companies are already seeing increased demand for rides.
If you are planning to catch the action in person, give yourself extra time to park, walk and navigate traffic. Officers will be directing vehicles around the area, and patience will be essential.
The bottom line for Tampa Bay fans: Plan ahead so you can focus on cheering the Rays instead of circling the block!