There’s No Barking in Baseball.
Bailey, our dog dining diva thinks Ferg’s Sport’s Bar & Grill knocks it out of the ballpark with food and service.
Some Say St. Petersburg Got the Rays Because Ferg’s Already Had the Fans.
–by Steve Cooke
In 1992, owner Mark Ferguson had a concept for a sports bar in a run down area known as the “Gas Plant District” in downtown St. Petersburg. With the help of family and friends, he purchased the Sunoco gas station that became the first Ferg’s building. Ferg’s began to sponsor local softball, flag football and basketball leagues. Soon thereafter, the Suncoast Dome (now Tropicana Field) became the host of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Storm. Hockey and Arena Football at the Dome provided enough
capital and exposure to fuel Ferg’s steady, albeit modest growth. Then…the “If you build it they will come” dream was realized when Major League Baseball awarded St. Petersburg the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise (now the Tampa Bay Rays). Ferg’s buildings, now encompassing almost two city blocks,
Photography by Anna Cooke.
Spicy Food. Cold Beer. Lively Atmosphere. You can order the chicken wings eight different ways. There are seven salads of grand slam proportions, including the Ty Cobb Salad (upper right). Burgers are a half pound of fresh USDA Black Angus beef, charbroiled to perfection. The Clubhouse Classics sandwiches are All-Star plates. Water bowls with ice are served up immediately for the dog patrons who are most welcome. Stats: Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 727.822.4562.
www.FergsSportsBar.com
www.TheNewBarker.com
are a testament to Mark Ferguson’s investment in his community. The wood flooring was acquired from many of the area’s old school gymnasium floors, and the walls are lined with hardwood from the old All Children’s Hospital. In fact almost all of Ferg’s is constructed from local recycled materials. There is truly some- thing for everyone at Ferg’s — 70+ TVs, awesome menu, craft beers, signature burgers and delicious wings. Indoor and outdoor seating, live music, friendly staff and easy access to The Trop through the tunnel under 1st Avenue South that leads directly to the stadium property. Ferg’s Sports Bar — A fan favorite for over twenty years. And just like the Rays — getting better with age. U
Spring ~ 2013 THE NEW BARKER 91
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