St. Petersburg is bracing for an influx of more than 100,000 visitors next week as the World Series returns to Tropicana Field. City officials, led by Mayor Ken Welch and Police Chief Anthony Holloway, outlined an expansive security and logistical framework on Friday designed to manage the capacity crowds expected when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Milwaukee Brewers.
The scale of the operation reflects the anticipated volume of fans. Police expect roughly 40,000 people to attend each sold-out game at the stadium, while another 15,000 to 20,000 people are expected to gather at downtown restaurants and businesses during the series. In total, the city estimates that more than 100,000 people will move through the downtown area over the course of the home stand.
Chief Holloway confirmed that more than 100 St. Petersburg police officers will be dedicated to the games, supported by state and federal law enforcement partners. The security strategy involves a mix of visible and invisible measures. While uniformed officers will be stationed throughout the stadium and surrounding streets, undercover units will also be deployed within the crowds. K-9 teams have been tasked with conducting sweeps of Tropicana Field prior to each game, and an emergency operations center will be activated at the police department headquarters to coordinate responses in real-time.
The city will also utilize aerial drones to monitor the flow of both vehicles and pedestrians. Holloway noted that these drones provide a critical vantage point for identifying suspicious activity or managing bottlenecks. “If you want to do something wrong, you may not see us, but a drone’s going to see you,” Holloway said during the Friday briefing.
Despite the heavy security presence, Holloway identified traffic as the primary challenge for the city. While fans tend to arrive at the stadium gradually over several hours, the conclusion of the game typically results in a simultaneous mass exit. To mitigate early congestion, gates at Tropicana Field will open three hours before the first pitch. However, drivers have been warned to expect significant delays once the games end. Police intend to prioritize pedestrian traffic during the post-game period, meaning vehicles parked in the immediate vicinity of the stadium will likely face the longest wait times.
To ease some of the pressure on the stadium’s immediate perimeter, city officials are encouraging fans to utilize downtown parking options. While parking prices directly adjacent to Tropicana Field are expected to average around $150 for the World Series, downtown lots are available for as little as $25. The city will operate shuttles to transport fans from downtown locations to the stadium. Holloway cautioned that while the shuttle provides a cost-effective alternative, the high volume of fans means the return trip after the game will likely take longer than usual.
For Mayor Ken Welch, the return of the World Series is a significant marker of the city’s recovery. Two years ago, Tropicana Field and the surrounding community suffered catastrophic damage from hurricanes that impacted or destroyed approximately 15,000 homes and businesses. Welch recalled the stadium looking like a “sci-fi film” in the aftermath of the storms and noted that many questioned if professional baseball would ever return to the city.
“The real celebration is how far this community’s come back in two years,” Welch said, framing the upcoming games as a story of local resilience. Many residents are still in the process of rebuilding from the damage sustained during that period.
Law enforcement is also preparing for the potential of large-scale celebrations if the Rays secure a championship. The city’s emergency operations center is prepared to deploy barricades and redirect resources quickly if crowds gather in the streets following a victory. Holloway emphasized that while the city wants residents to enjoy the moment, officers will strictly enforce the law regarding any disruptive or illegal conduct.
The Rays are scheduled to host Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 26, followed by Game 4 on Tuesday, Oct. 27. If a fifth game is necessary, it will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28. All home games are scheduled to begin at approximately 8 p.m.
