TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays are still alive in the World Series, and as the team prepares for another game at Tropicana Field, local businesses across both sides of the Bay are already seeing a major win.
With the series at 3-1, every game could be the Rays’ last. But win or lose, the World Series has delivered a surge in visitors, hotel bookings and spending throughout the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.
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Hotels in Tampa that had been seeing occupancy around 50% to 60% are now packed. Street vendors, shops, restaurants and bars are also reporting increased sales — not only from Rays fans, but from visiting Milwaukee Brewers fans as well.
At the St. Pete Pier, weekday foot traffic has noticeably increased as baseball fans look for ways to spend time between games. Visitors have been taking in the sights, food, drinks and attractions across Pinellas County…