News Summary
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been recognized as the top local sports bar in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best rankings. The bar, known for its community spirit, boasts an impressive capacity and a vibrant atmosphere for sports fans. Alongside Ferg’s, the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Pensacola ranked third, showcasing the quality of local sports bars across the nation. This accolade further cements Ferg’s place in the local culture and as a gathering hotspot for Tampa Bay Rays fans.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill has been recognized as the top local sports bar in the United States, according to the latest rankings from USA Today’s 10Best. The results, published on August 27, 2025, highlight Ferg’s prominence in the community and its role as a popular gathering place for sports fans.
In addition to Ferg’s top ranking, Florida’s Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Pensacola secured the third spot on the list. The 10Best rankings specifically focus on neighborhood sports bars, excluding any chain or franchise establishments. The rankings were determined by a combination of expert nominations and a month-long voting process, involving both judges and readers.
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, which has branded itself the official gathering spot for fans of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, boasts an impressive capacity for large crowds. The bar accommodates up to 17,000 people on Opening Day and has seen over 30,000 attendees during the World Series. Located less than one mile from Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, it has become a central hub for fans.
The expansive venue spans nearly two full city blocks, featuring over 90 televisions placed throughout so patrons can catch every game. The menu is diverse, offering classic pub fare such as chicken wings and potato skins, available in both indoor and open-air patio settings. In 2025, the Rays played at an alternative ballpark due to recovery efforts following hurricane damage to the Gulf Coast, further increasing the community reliance on local venues like Ferg’s for viewing the games.
The Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, ranked third, offers a selection of over 20 televisions and a menu that includes key lime shrimp, char-grilled oysters, and gulf grouper po’boys, showcasing the local culinary flavors alongside sporting events.
Ferg’s Sports Bar opened in 1992 and transformed a former Sunoco gas station into a vibrant social space. The bar offers 11 distinct areas for events, allowing for various private functions, and can host gatherings of up to 3,000 people in Ferg’s Backyard, especially popular for live concerts and trivia nights. The lively atmosphere and extensive menu make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Competition for the top local sports bar included numerous venues from across the nation, highlighting the quality and dedication to service in sports-themed establishments. While specific voter participation numbers for the rankings were not disclosed this year, the recognition adds to Ferg’s reputation as an integral part of the drinking and dining scene in St. Petersburg.
As sports bars continue to evolve, the success of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill serves as a testament to the growing demand for local establishments that prioritize community spirit and offer engaging environments for sports enthusiasts. With its accolade as the best local sports bar, Ferg’s solidifies its place in both the local culture and the hearts of Tampa Bay Rays fans.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Wikipedia: Sports Bar
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Fergs Sports Bar and Grill
- USA Today 10Best
- Google Scholar: Sports Bar Community Gathering
- I Love the Burg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Bar
- Miami Herald
- 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.
