Want to Catch the World Series in Tampa Bay? There’s Baseball, Beaches and Maybe a Ghost or Two

The World Series is coming to Florida, and there's still time to get in on the action.

As the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays compete for the World Series title, fans have an opportunity to experience baseball history—and perhaps enjoy a little Florida sunshine along the way.

And with the games falling during Halloween week, there's even a ghost story or two thrown into the mix.

For fans thinking about a last-minute trip to the World Series, there's another surprise: Traveling to Florida might not be as expensive as you'd expect.

And you don't even have to love baseball to enjoy the experience.

First, Let's Clear Up the Geography

Despite the team's name, the Tampa Bay Rays play at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, not Tampa.

The two cities are separated by Tampa Bay, and although they're close geographically, they have distinctly different personalities.

If you haven't spent time in St. Pete, you're in for a treat. This is a city that knows how to have a good time.

This artistic Florida city offers terrific restaurants, lively bars, rooftop lounges and unique finds. Central Avenue is particularly popular, with restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars and entertainment venues galore.

There's also a thriving arts scene, museums and a beautiful waterfront. But if you're looking for nightlife and good food, you won't have to look very hard.

Want some beach time? That's a different destination.

St. Pete Beach, about 10 miles from Tropicana Field, offers the turquoise Gulf waters that make Florida's west coast famous.

In other words, even if your knowledge of baseball begins and ends with knowing there are nine innings, you can still have a pretty fabulous vacation.

And if the game gets boring? At least there's a beach waiting for you the next morning.

A World Series Trip Might Be Surprisingly Affordable

World Series tickets certainly aren't cheap. But fans comparing games in Milwaukee with those in Florida may find some surprising differences in prices.

And while many hotels closest to Tropicana Field are sold out, accommodations may remain available in other parts of the Tampa/St. Petersburg area.

St. Pete Beach is renowned for its lively atmosphere and beachfront accommodations. Just know that game-day commutes to Tropicana Field may be lengthy.

That brings us to an important consideration: Getting to the game.

Getting to the Stadium Without Losing Your Mind

If you're driving to Tropicana Field, don't count on pulling into a stadium parking lot and paying when you arrive.

Parking for postseason games is prepaid only. And when we checked, parking at the actual stadium appeared to be sold out.

Fans should purchase parking before heading to the stadium. Nearby private lots and parking garages may have spaces available through services including ParkWhiz and SpotHero.

St. Petersburg also offers a free Baseball Shuttle connecting downtown parking areas with the stadium. Check the Rays transportation information for game-day details.

For visitors staying on St. Pete Beach, the SunRunner bus service offers another alternative.

The SunRunner connects the beach with downtown St. Petersburg and stops near Tropicana Field. Rides cost $2.25 each way, and the service generally operates until midnight.

But remember, baseball games don't come with a guaranteed ending time.

Extra innings could mean a late night, so beach visitors should check the return schedule and have a backup transportation plan.

Now, About Those Ghosts

Professional baseball players are accustomed to dealing with pressure. Ninety-mile-per-hour fastballs, screaming crowds and the possibility of making an error in front of millions of people come with the territory.

But what about sharing a hotel with a ghost?

The Milwaukee Brewers will reportedly stay at The Vinoy, a magnificent pink hotel overlooking the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. The team's accommodations have not been independently confirmed.

The hotel opened in 1925. Over the past century, it has welcomed celebrities, dignitaries, generations of vacationers—and maybe a few ghostly guests.

Apparently, some of these folks may have enjoyed their stay so much that they never checked out.

The Vinoy has accumulated an impressive collection of ghost stories over the years, including accounts from professional baseball players.

There have been reports of lights flickering without explanation, doors opening and closing on their own, and objects mysteriously changing locations.

Some guests have described hearing footsteps when nobody was around. Others have reported strange activity involving elevators and hotel rooms.

Then there's the mysterious Lady in White, a figure said to haunt the historic property.

One particularly entertaining account involves former Major League Baseball pitcher John Frascatore and his family. During a stay at The Vinoy, his young son reportedly noticed something unusual in their hotel room, an experience that became part of the hotel's baseball ghost lore.

And it's not just visitors who have taken an interest in the hotel's paranormal reputation.

The Vinoy has even attracted the attention of paranormal investigators, including the television series Ghost Hunters.

Of course, there's no scientific evidence that the hotel is actually haunted. Old buildings make strange noises, electrical systems behave unpredictably, and imaginations can run wild.

Especially during Halloween week.

Still, the idea of professional athletes preparing for the biggest games of their careers while wondering whether their hotel rooms have an extra occupant is pretty entertaining.

Let's just hope nobody's batting gloves disappear in the middle of the night.

Baseball, Beaches and a Little History

The 2026 World Series is an opportunity to be part of one of baseball's biggest events.

For baseball fans, it's a chance to witness history.

For travelers, it's a chance to experience the excitement surrounding one of America's biggest sporting events while enjoying everything the St. Petersburg area has to offer.

Explore downtown, enjoy a great meal, spend a little time at the beach and soak up the atmosphere.

You might even discover that you don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the World Series.

And if you happen to be staying at The Vinoy?

Perhaps leave a light on.

Just in case.

World Series at Tropicana Field

Monday, October 26: Game 3 — 8 p.m. Eastern.

Tuesday, October 27: Game 4 — 8 p.m. Eastern.

Wednesday, October 28: Game 5 — 8 p.m. Eastern, if necessary.

Plan Your Visit

World Series Tickets

Tropicana Field Parking

ParkWhiz Parking Reservations

SunRunner Bus Service

The Vinoy's Haunted History