Milwaukee travelers outspend locals at St. Petersburg World Series

Milwaukee travelers are paying less to watch the World Series in St. Petersburg than their hometown counterparts are paying to watch from the stands. Ben Ives, who drove down with his family and friends from Rhinelander, Wis., calculated their total trip expense at approximately $2,000. That figure covers airfare, hotel lodging, and game tickets. It is significantly lower than the $3,500 Ives said he would have paid for standing-room-only tickets back in Milwaukee.

Ives described the decision as a response to passionate local demand. He noted that fans are willing to pay high prices to see the game. His companion, Brad Sowinski, a lifetime Brewers fan, attempted to buy tickets at the local stadium but found the options limited. Sowinski attributed the scarcity to the high number of eager fans. Kevin and Anne Bina, visitors from West Salem, Wis., reported similar savings. They secured tickets, flights, and their trip for less than the cost of a single ticket in Milwaukee. They are on a mission to visit all 30 Major League ballparks and had four remaining before this trip.

The influx of out-of-state fans is visible in the streets surrounding Tropicana Field. Before Game 3, nearly as many people wore Milwaukee Brewers gear as those in Tampa Bay Rays apparel. Sophie Lenzie, who works the front desk at the Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown hotel, confirmed a clear increase in occupancy since the Rays clinched a playoff berth. She described the lobby as busy and chaotic. Lenzie observed playful rivalries between the two fan groups in the hotel bar. She expressed relief that the stadium roof was repaired after Hurricane Milton damage, though she admitted the hotel staff remains in denial about the team moving to a new stadium in Tampa.

Businesses along Central Avenue are seeing a surge in customers. Francisco Cenzon, owner of Casa Origen Farm Kitchen, opened only a few days before the series. He reported that foot traffic has grown substantially. He noted that many baseball fans seek meals more nutritious than standard stadium fare. Kenneth Hoyumpa, co-owner of Grassroots Kava House in the Edge District, said they see a large influx of people buying coffee drinks. Most purchases occur before the game, with some overflow after. Hoyumpa is rooting for the Rays to play seven games to extend the crowd presence.

The Rays host the World Series at Tropicana Field. The city is bracing for approximately 100,000 fans. Ticket prices on the resale market for Milwaukee home games have averaged above $3,500. Kevin Bina, who drives a school bus, did not plan to stay for Game 4. He had to return to West Salem by Wednesday to work.