Tampa International Airport typically handles about 20,000 travelers a day. This week, ahead of Game 3 of the World Series, that number jumped to nearly 80,000 as Brewers fans and Rays faithful poured onto the Suncoast. Hotels in St. Petersburg and Tampa are filling up right before snowbird season, and tourism officials say the timing is a gift. Brian Loak of Visit St. Pete Clearwater says rooms that might have sat half-empty are now packed with visitors.
The numbers behind that boost are striking. Based on previous World Series figures, a single game can generate $10 million to $12 million in economic impact. Some Milwaukee fans say the trip down here, Airbnb included, costs less than attending a game at home, and families like TJ and Case are making a vacation out of it. Meanwhile, the Rays need a win Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Tropicana Field after a 10-1 loss Monday, trailing the series three games to none. A win keeps the series and the tourist windfall alive.
Whether you’re heading to the Trop, working a hotel front desk, or just trying to get through airport traffic, this week touches the whole community. First pitch is 8 p.m. Tuesday. Are you going to the game, or watching from your favorite local spot?
