Ferguson's Bar Serves 42,000 Wings During World Series

Owner Mark Ferguson said his staff served 42,000 chicken wings and 3,500 cases of beer and seltzer at Ferg's Sports Bar this week. The surge in volume occurred during three World Series games played at Tropicana Field. The bar is located directly across the street from the stadium.

Milwaukee Brewers fans filled the neighborhood restaurants and bars. Many arrived hours before the first pitch to spend the afternoon. Grand Central Brewhouse, a short walk from the ballpark, saw sales rise 30 percent compared to the previous Monday through Wednesday. Founder Kevin Milkey noted that sales were 85 percent higher than the same period last year.

General manager Matt O'Connell reported that foot traffic began increasing around 12:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. He estimated that 80 percent of the patrons were supporting Milwaukee. Those fans often stayed for multiple rounds of drinks before heading to the stadium. The venue became quieter once the games started, with remaining customers watching on televisions inside and in the beer garden.

The Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on Wednesday night. The victory gave Milwaukee the World Series championship in five games. The three games at Tropicana Field attracted a combined 121,391 spectators. That figure averaged 40,464 per game, which is more than twice the Rays' regular-season average of 17,469.

Nicole Waters, executive director of the EDGE District, reported exceptional business at several local establishments. She cited Ferg's, Hawkers, Green Bench Brewing, the Moxy hotel, and independent retailer Matter of Fact. Waters stated that the Rays bring people to the area, but local character gives them reasons to stay and return.

The rush extended to non-alcoholic venues. Russell Browning Jr., owner of Pure Green Juice Bar, reported a huge boost in business between 5 and 7 p.m. The following mornings saw a different crowd. Browning described seeing foggy-eyed Brewers fans arriving after a night of celebration.

The business boom comes as the Rays' future in St. Petersburg becomes uncertain. City and county officials approved plans for a $1.3 billion ballpark and redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District in 2024. That agreement fell apart in 2025 due to cost disputes and delays. Hurricane Milton also damaged the stadium, forcing the team to play the 2025 season in Tampa.

Under new ownership, the franchise is moving its focus across the bay. Tampa and Hillsborough County officials approved a roughly $2.3 billion stadium project in August. The team hopes to open that ballpark in 2029, after its current agreement expires following the 2028 season. O'Connell called the potential loss devastating for the community and said many businesses are kidding themselves if they believe the team should leave. Ferguson said he is waiting to see what happens and suggested the city could use the stadium for concerts or other sports if the Rays depart.