Rays fans and city leaders are already looking at how Tampa and St. Petersburg could celebrate if the team wins its first World Series title.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays fans are gearing up for the World Series, and some are already looking ahead to how they could celebrate a potential championship.
With the Rays representing the greater Tampa Bay area, fans could have the chance to celebrate in St. Petersburg and Tampa if the team wins its first World Series title.
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Fans who spoke with 10 Tampa Bay News said both cities should have a chance to celebrate, with some pointing to St. Petersburg as the place where the team’s history began.
St. Petersburg officials have said they will share information about post-World Series activities depending on the outcome of the series.
The city is also planning two days of block parties Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4-8 p.m. along Central Avenue between 13th and 15th streets. Limited-edition commemorative posters will be available to residents, and the city plans to light the St. Pete Pier in the Rays’ colors.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said she supports the possibility of celebrations in both cities.
“Right now, it’s still a St. Pete team, located there,” Castor said. “I am very happy for Mayor Welch, very happy for the citizens of St. Pete, very happy for the citizens of Tampa.”
Castor said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is planning a parade along the waterfront, and Tampa would welcome the opportunity to host a boat parade.
“I know my good friend Ken Welch is planning a parade in St. Pete along the water, and we have a history of great boat parades,” Castor said. “We love those. So we’d be more than happy to host a boat parade.”
The Rays have not announced specific plans for a potential championship celebration.