Opening Day for the Tampa Bay Rays always brings a wave of excitement and tradition to fans. This year was no different, despite the significant changes. Fans gathered at Ferg’s Sports Bar in St. Petersburg to celebrate the start of the 2025 season.
Even though the Rays have temporarily moved their games to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to damage at Tropicana Field, fans still flocked to the beloved bar. The bar has been a cornerstone for pre-game festivities, and this year’s Opening Day was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Rays’ fan base.
Ferg’s Sports Bar: A Beloved Tradition
For years, Ferg’s Sports Bar has been the go-to spot for Tampa Bay Rays fans. The bar has become synonymous with the Rays’ game day experience, offering a lively atmosphere for supporters to gather before heading to the stadium. This tradition continued this year, despite the unforeseen challenges.
The Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton caused severe damage to Tropicana Field, ripping the roof off and rendering the stadium unusable for the 2025 season. As a result, the Rays have relocated their games to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
This move has been met with mixed emotions from fans, many of whom have never missed an Opening Day at Tropicana Field.
Fan Reactions to the Venue Change
Jeff Anthony and his family, long-time attendees of Opening Day, expressed their disappointment about not being able to cross the street to Tropicana Field. *I’m in Tampa, but we usually come here as a tradition with our family every year for opening day,* he shared.
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Despite the change, Anthony plans to attend games at Steinbrenner Field, although he acknowledges that the experience will be different.
Another fan, Anthony Esposito, voiced concerns about the cost of tickets at the new venue. *Nothing against Steinbrenner Field or anything like that. But I think paying $151 for, you know, a high-level seat, you know, for Rockies versus Rays game is a bit unrealistic,* he said.
However, Esposito remains hopeful and plans to support the team throughout the season.
The Future of the Rays in Tampa Bay
The move to Steinbrenner Field has sparked discussions about the Rays’ long-term future in the area. Fans like Esposito are hopeful that the team will remain in Tampa Bay.
*I think it’s important to separate our feelings about ownership from our love of the team. The players and coaches put in the time and effort; they deserve our support,* he remarked.
Business Impact on Ferg’s Sports Bar
Mark Ferguson, the owner of Ferg’s, remains optimistic despite the challenges. *It means a lot because all my employees, my staff, they depend on the Rays money. And we know it’s a smaller stadium, so if you don’t want to go over, you can’t fight the traffic, come on to Ferg’s and support Pinellas County,* he said.
Ferguson believes that the bar will continue to thrive, even without Tropicana Field next door.
Looking Ahead: A New Stadium?
Ferguson is confident that the Rays will eventually secure a new permanent home in the area. *I truly believe everything will work out fine. We’ll get the new stadium built—maybe delayed a year or two—but it’ll happen,* he said.
The local crowd’s unwavering support is a testament to the strong community ties and the hope that the Rays will remain a staple in Tampa Bay.
Conclusion
As the Rays kick off their 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the spirit of the fans remains unshaken. The community’s dedication to the team is evident in the packed crowds at Ferg’s Sports Bar.
Ongoing discussions about the future of the Rays in Tampa Bay continue. While the venue may have changed, the love for the team endures, and fans remain hopeful for a new, permanent home for the Rays in the near future.
For more details on the Rays’ Opening Day and fan reactions, visit ABC Action News.
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