Milwaukee fans spend $2,000 for World Series trip, undercutting $3,500 home game cost

Downtown St. Petersburg is experiencing a surge in economic activity as the Tampa Bay Rays host the World Series, with business owners reporting high volumes of customers from both local and visiting teams.

The influx of fans has driven increased demand for lodging and dining in the immediate vicinity of Tropicana Field. Sophie Lenzie, a front desk employee at the Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown, stated that the hotel has seen a definite uptick in stays since the Rays secured a playoff berth.

Lenzie noted that the lobby frequently hosts Milwaukee Brewers fans who engage in playful rivalries with local supporters. She expressed relief that the stadium roof was repaired after Hurricane Milton damage, though she admitted hotel staff remain in denial regarding the team's planned move to a new stadium in Tampa.

Restaurants along Central Avenue are also benefiting from the increased foot traffic. Francisco Cenzon, owner of Casa Origen Farm Kitchen, reported that his establishment, which opened only days ago, is attracting baseball fans seeking alternatives to typical stadium fare.

"Absolutely," Cenzon said. "I mean, that's common sense, right? Foot traffic has been growing a lot. The city has come alive."

Kenneth Hoyumpa, co-owner of Grassroots Kava House in the Edge District, confirmed the trend. He observed a significant increase in coffee drink sales, primarily before games, with some overflow continuing after final out. Hoyumpa said he is rooting for the Rays to extend the series to maximize visitor numbers.

"For sure," Hoyumpa said. "I want them to go seven games, as many games as possible, as many times and get people down here."

Outside Tropicana Field before Game 3, the number of fans wearing Milwaukee Brewers clothing was nearly equal to that of local Rays supporters. Ben Ives, who traveled from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, with his family and friends, calculated that his total trip cost was approximately $2,000.

Ives stated that this total was less than the $3,500 cost for a standing-room-only ticket at the Brewers' home stadium. He noted that while fans are passionate, they are willing to pay what is required to attend the event. His companion, Brad Sowinski, a lifelong Brewers fan, attempted to purchase tickets in Milwaukee but found them difficult to obtain.

"Too many fans that are too passionate to see a World Series," Sowinski said.

Kevin and Anne Bina, visiting from West Salem, Wisconsin, are on a mission to visit all 30 Major League ballparks. They reported that their flight, tickets, and lodging cost less than a single ticket in Milwaukee. Kevin Bina, a school bus driver, will return home on Wednesday and is not planning to stay for Game 4.