Local Businesses Excited for Rays' Return to Tropicana Field

Businesses in St. Petersburg, Florida expect a boost from the Rays' home opener at Tropicana Field.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:05pm

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Local businesses in St. Petersburg, Florida are eagerly anticipating the return of the Tampa Bay Rays to Tropicana Field for the 2026 MLB season. Some businesses reported being down by as much as 30% during the previous season when the Rays played their home games in Tampa at George Steinbrenner Field due to damage from Hurricane Milton. Managers at Poppo's Taqueria and Ferg's Sports Bar are excited to see the increased foot traffic and energy that comes with hosting Rays home games again.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field is a major boost for the local economy in St. Petersburg, as businesses in the area rely heavily on the influx of fans and spending that comes with hosting MLB games. The extended absence of the team last season had a significant financial impact on many shops and restaurants near the stadium.

The details

The Rays will play their home opener at Tropicana Field on Monday, April 6, 2026 against the Chicago Cubs. Businesses like Poppo's Taqueria and Ferg's Sports Bar, which are located near the stadium, say they felt the effects of the Rays playing in Tampa last season, with Poppo's general manager Kyle Frantz reporting a 30% drop in business. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Steinocher said the return of the Rays will be a major lift for the local economy and the livelihoods of many workers who depend on game day crowds.

  • The Rays will play their home opener at Tropicana Field on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The team spent the 2025 season playing their home games in Tampa at George Steinbrenner Field after damage from Hurricane Milton.

The players

Kyle Frantz

The general manager of Poppo's Taqueria, a local restaurant near Tropicana Field.

Jake Ferguson

The co-owner of Ferg's Sports Bar, a popular hangout spot for Rays fans near the stadium.

Chris Steinocher

The President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

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What they’re saying

“'Their stadium is only like a block and a half away so the foot traffic alone increases business.'”

— Kyle Frantz, General Manager, Poppo's Taqueria

“'We felt the difference. You know, it was like kind of dull, and there wasn't much energy during the game.'”

— Jake Ferguson, Co-owner, Ferg's Sports Bar

“'For businesses in St. Pete to be down 30%, you're talking about the livelihood of jobs and shifts and people that aren't coming in to get their jobs done. So their families are starting to wonder how they get paid.'”

— Chris Steinocher, President and CEO, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The Rays will look to build on the excitement of their return to Tropicana Field as they aim to make a playoff push in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Rays' homecoming to Tropicana Field is a much-needed boost for the local economy in St. Petersburg, as businesses in the area rely heavily on the influx of fans and spending that comes with hosting MLB games. After a difficult 2025 season playing in Tampa, the return of the Rays is expected to revitalize the area and provide a lift for workers and families who depend on the game day crowds.