The Tampa Bay Rays Are Headed to the World Series!
Baseball fans, it's time to break out the Rays gear! The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the 2026 World Series, and excitement is building throughout St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area.
After defeating the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the American League Championship Series, the Rays have secured their third World Series appearance in franchise history. Now, they're preparing to face the Milwaukee Brewers for a chance to bring home the franchise's first championship.
For local fans, this is more than just another baseball series. It's an opportunity to come together, cheer on our hometown team, and enjoy one of the most exciting times of the year in Tampa Bay.
Whether you're planning to watch every pitch, meet friends for a game-day dinner, or soak up the atmosphere around St. Pete, there's plenty to look forward to this weekend.
When Does the 2026 World Series Start?
The 2026 World Series begins on Friday, October 23, with the Tampa Bay Rays visiting the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee.
Here's the schedule so you can plan your watch parties and game nights.
Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
Game 1 | Friday, Oct. 23 | Rays at Brewers | 8 p.m. |
Game 2 | Saturday, Oct. 24 | Rays at Brewers | 8 p.m. |
Game 3 | Monday, Oct. 26 | Brewers at Rays | 8 p.m. |
Game 4 | Tuesday, Oct. 27 | Brewers at Rays | 8 p.m. |
Game 5* | Wednesday, Oct. 28 | Brewers at Rays | 8 p.m. |
Game 6* | Friday, Oct. 30 | Rays at Brewers | 8 p.m. |
Game 7* | Saturday, Oct. 31 | Rays at Brewers | 8 p.m. |
Games 5, 6, and 7 will only be played if necessary.
All games are scheduled to air on FOX, with streaming available through FOX One. Check official MLB listings for any schedule updates.
The Rays Are Coming Home to St. Petersburg!
The excitement gets even bigger next week when the World Series comes to St. Petersburg.
The Rays are scheduled to host the Brewers at Tropicana Field for Games 3 and 4 on Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27. A potential Game 5 would also take place at home on Wednesday, October 28.
For St. Pete residents, having the World Series in our backyard is a fantastic opportunity to experience the energy of postseason baseball right here in our community.
Planning to attend a game? Check the official Tampa Bay Rays website for ticket availability, parking information, and stadium updates.
Even if you don't have tickets, you can still be part of the excitement. Gather your friends, find a local spot showing the game, and get ready to cheer on the Rays.
Where to Watch the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete
Not heading to Milwaukee or grabbing a seat at Tropicana Field? No problem!
St. Petersburg has plenty of ways to enjoy a big game, from neighborhood sports bars to restaurants where you can catch up with friends over dinner and watch the action.
Here are a few ways to make the most of World Series weekend:
- Find a local sports bar: Look for St. Petersburg bars with big screens, game-day specials, and a lively baseball crowd. Call ahead to confirm space! Some of our local favorites are:
- Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill (Obvi)
- Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern
- Central Park St. Pete Food Hall
- Localz Sports Bar & Grill
- Thirsty First
- Five Bucks Drinkery
- Park & Rec DTSP
- Voodoo Brewing Co.
- The Galley: A St. Pete Tavern
- Crafty Squirrel
- Dublin Drop
- Where’s Jubes
- Green Bench Brewing Co.
- Golden Isles Brewing Co.
- Make it a dinner-and-the-game night: Support a local restaurant while enjoying the game with friends or family.
- Host a backyard watch party: Florida's fall weather makes an outdoor watch party a fun option. Fire up the grill, bring out the Rays shirts, and invite your favorite people.
- Check for official watch parties: The Rays have announced watch parties at Tropicana Field for select away games. Check the team's official website for tickets, entry details, and parking information.
However you choose to watch, there's something special about experiencing a big sporting event alongside fellow Tampa Bay fans.
A Big Moment for Tampa Bay Baseball
The Rays have reached the World Series twice before, in 2008 and 2020. This year's appearance gives the franchise another opportunity to compete for its first World Series title.
The matchup against Milwaukee is especially exciting because the Brewers are also seeking their first championship. One of these teams will make franchise history when the series concludes.
From the first pitch Friday night to the possibility of a Halloween weekend Game 7, baseball fans have plenty of reasons to stay tuned.
And while the games are the main event, moments like these also remind us what makes living in the Tampa Bay area so special: the local pride, the shared experiences, and the feeling of being part of a community.
More Than Baseball: Why We Love Living in St. Petersburg, Florida
At the heart of it, St. Petersburg is a city built around community, local experiences, and an active outdoor lifestyle.
From waterfront sunsets and neighborhood restaurants to local events and major sporting moments, there's always something happening around the Tampa Bay area.
World Series weekends are a perfect example of what makes living here exciting. Whether you're a lifelong Rays fan or simply looking for a fun reason to get together with friends, our community has a way of making big moments feel even bigger.
And for anyone considering a move to the area, St. Petersburg offers much more than beautiful homes and Florida sunshine. It's a place where local culture, recreation, and community connections are part of everyday life.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in St. Petersburg, our team at Silver Welch Collective would love to help you explore the neighborhoods, homes, and lifestyle that make this area so unique.
Go Rays!
As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare for the first pitch of the 2026 World Series, it's time for the Tampa Bay community to rally behind our team.
Make your game-day plans, wear your Rays colors, support local businesses, and enjoy every minute of the excitement.
Here's hoping the next chapter of Tampa Bay baseball ends with a championship celebration!
Go Rays!
