How Tarps Off Grew Into Summers Biggest Sensation

By William Gilhooly

Sportz Nation - 6/16/2026

Photo Credits to Jeff Roberson/AP Photo

On a chilly April afternoon in Denver, with the Colorado Rockies looking to complete a sweep of the Houston Astros, one fan decided to take matters into his own hands.

Shirtless and waving his jersey above his head from Section 329 at Coors Field, the fan launched what has become one of baseball's most unexpected fan-driven movements, “Tarps Off”.

The tradition traces its roots to an Oklahoma State football game. A Cowboys fan accepted a $5 bet from his sister to walk into an empty section, remove his shirt and wave it in the air.

What began as a joke quickly evolved into a spontaneous flash mob as hundreds of fans joined in despite Oklahoma State's disappointing 1-11 season.

Back in Denver, the lone Rockies fan sparked a similar reaction. A group of young boys soon joined him, and as the crowd's energy grew, so did the Rockies' momentum.

Colorado completed the sweep, and Tarps Off had officially made its way to Major League Baseball.

Since that afternoon, the movement has been documented in roughly half of MLB's ballparks.

Most gatherings have emerged in outfield bleachers and upper-deck sections, where fans can create the loudest and most visible displays.

Some organizations have embraced the trend. The St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays have established designated sections for high-energy fans, creating spaces where supporters can lead chants and generate atmosphere throughout games.

No franchise has embraced the movement quite like St. Louis.

What began as a small gathering grew into a phenomenon when a group of Stephen F. Austin club baseball players helped turn the upper right-field seats into a sea of shirtless fans during a Cardinals game. As the crowd swelled, St. Louis rallied for an 11th-inning walk-off victory.

The display caught the attention of Cardinals manager Ollie Marmol.

“Whoever started that in right field, I'll do whatever I need to do to make sure they come every game,” Marmol said. “Because that was awesome. Not only them, but everybody that showed up today. That was a fun environment.”

Marmol later invited the group to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the following day's game. During that game, Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera hit a home run and pointed toward the shirtless section as he rounded the bases.

The movement has even gained traction in Anaheim, where "Sell the team" chants have become commonplace amid years of frustration surrounding the Angels. For a fan base that has endured prolonged disappointment, Tarps Off has provided a rare source of energy and engagement.

The trend remains divisive. To some, it feels gimmicky and emblematic of sports culture in 2026.

To others, it represents something baseball has desperately needed.

With a potential labor dispute looming and tensions between fans, and owners continuing to grow, Tarps Off stands out because it was created organically.

It is not a league-sponsored promotion or a marketing campaign. It belongs entirely to the fans.

And in a sport searching for ways to reconnect with its audience, that may be exactly what baseball needs.

-William Gilhooly