Rays fans bring playoff energy to downtown St. Pete for ALCS Game 1

"Troptober" is bringing playoff excitement back to downtown St. Petersburg, where Rays fans are showing their team spirit inside bars and through local art. As Tampa Bay faced the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, fans gathered at Ferg’s Sports Bar to cheer on their team.Ferg’s Sports Bar Rays ALCS watch partyWith tickets to the game hard to come by, Ferg’s Sports Bar offered fans a place to watch the action and celebrate the Rays’ postseason run.Among those in the crowd were Kyle and Donna Malone, who celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary at the bar. The couple said they’re proud of how far the team has come and wanted to be there to support the Rays.Downtown St. Petersburg playoff gatheringFor the Malones, this postseason carries a personal connection.Donna Malone said their family lost its home to Hurricane Helene, while the Rays lost the roof of Tropicana Field during the 2024 hurricane season."We had to move everything and then the Rays