News Summary
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida has been recognized as the best local sports bar in the United States by 10Best. This accolade is a result of a competitive voting process where Ferg’s stood out for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive sports coverage, and delicious pub fare. Spanning nearly two blocks and equipped with over 90 TVs, Ferg’s has become a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, accommodating large crowds for various events and gatherings.
St. Petersburg, Florida has been recognized for its vibrant sports bar culture, with Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill earning the title of the best local sports bar in the United States as per the recent 10Best list. This accolade comes following a competitive voting process where Ferg’s outperformed numerous nominees from across the country, establishing its reputation as a premier destination for sports fans.
Located just across from Tropicana Field in the Edge District, Ferg’s spans nearly two blocks and is a landmark in the St. Petersburg drinking and dining scene. This expansive venue features a variety of seating options, including inside tables, outside covered seating, and an upstairs area. With more than 90 TVs strategically placed throughout, it caters to sports enthusiasts looking to catch live games in a lively atmosphere.
Ferg’s is known not only for its extensive sports coverage but also for its classic pub fare. Menu highlights include popular items such as chicken wings and potato skins, drawing a consistent crowd of patrons, especially on game days when sports events are in full swing. The establishment’s nickname as a “juggernaut” in the local scene reflects its prominence and popularity among residents and visitors alike.
Since opening in 1992, when its founder, Mark Ferguson, converted a former Sunoco gas station into a sports bar, Ferg’s has steadily expanded its offerings and space. The venue is frequently packed with sports fans, establishing itself as a go-to spot for various sports events, including watch parties for Tampa Bay teams. Additional features enrich the Ferg’s experience, including a golf simulator, a stage for concerts, and fun trivia nights that engage patrons year-round.
Ferg’s houses 11 separate areas, making it an ideal location for hosting parties and events. The venue’s Ferg’s Backyard can accommodate an impressive 3,000 people, making it suitable for large gatherings and celebrations. This versatility and commitment to providing a great experience have solidified Ferg’s position in the community as a favorite gathering spot for sports fans.
In the competitive landscape of sports bars, Ferg’s faced stiff competition from a wide array of nominees. The only other Florida establishment to be recognized on the 10Best list was the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, which placed third in Pensacola. The selection process for the rankings relied on a combination of reader votes and evaluations from a panel of experts, further emphasizing the significance of Ferg’s achievement.
Ferg’s response to the recent recognition has been overwhelmingly positive, as it continues to be acknowledged for its contributions to the community and the sports culture within it. The bar has been featured by various media, including mentions in lists of America’s top sports bars. Ferg’s commitment to providing an engaging environment, quality food, and extensive sports viewing coverage continues to win it accolades and the loyalty of local fans.
The recognition as the best local sports bar cements Ferg’s reputation as a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s social scene and will likely continue to attract sports enthusiasts from all around, further bolstering its legacy in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- WTSP
- Q105
- I Love The Burg
- USA Today 10Best
- Wikipedia: Sports Bar
- Google Search: Ferg’s Sports Bar
- Google Scholar: Ferg’s Sports Bar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Bar
- Google News: Ferg’s Sports Bar
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
