Buccaneers Football

2009 ACC Football Championship Update!

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here, proud to say we are 1 month out from gameday of the 2009 ACC Football Championship!

With the Road To Tampa Bay countdown clock ticking away, we’re beginning to see the front-runners emerge!

Will you be there? Tickets are on sale for this year’s game, which returns to prime time national television, with an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff on ESPN.

The 2009 Championship Game will be played on December 5 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.

#10 Georgia Tech seems to be running away with the Coastal Division title as they have emerged past #17 Miami. Meanwhile Boston College, Clemson, and Florida State are keeping things interesting in the Atlantic Division. With four weeks left, it’s still any team’s game!

But time is running out! Purchase your tickets to this year’s Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, one of the best values in all of college football by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or clicking here!

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

Pig Jam in Plant City!

Saturday, October 31, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment I know you'll love! If BBQ is your thing, let’s talk about one of my favorite Tampa Bay area events of all time…and it’s probably one many of you have never even heard of.

The 7th Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship! It’s a mouthful to say, but you’ll get more than a mouthful if you attend. It happens at the Randy Larson Softball Stadium in Plant City on Nov. 21.

On top of the finger-lickin’ good BBQ that you can taste, there’ll be live entertainment (from 11am-5pm), a Kid’s Zone, a big screen TV for football fans and much, much more.

And, if you think you’ve got the best BBQ in town, you can even enter…but enter at your own risk because these guys are pros! Parking is $5 per vehicle AND admission is FREE! Head over to www.PlantCity.org to get more details, and get your appetites ready.

So, put it on your family calendar and get ready to get a stomach full of a good time!

See you back here soon for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Seminole Hard Rock’s Annual Guitar Auction Tonight!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang...Travis here with some Tampa Bay enterainment news, as well as some Tampa Bay hotel updates...all in one!

Pop artist, Jules Burt, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott, and current Buc defensive tackle, Chris Hovan are the celebrities confirmed so far to participate in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s annual Angelus Guitar Auction.

It all takes place tonight at 7p.m. in Floyd’s nightclub at the Hard Rock in Tampa, where one-of-a-kind guitars decorated and signed by Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn will be auctioned.

Artwork produced by residents of The Angelus will also be available for purchase. All art exhibition and auction proceeds benefit The Angelus non-profit organization for severely handicapped children and adults, located in Hudson.

Tickets will be for sales at the door for ONLY $10. (This event is for ages 18 and up only.)

Hosted by Chad Brock and Dave McKay of country station WQYK 99.5, the night will feature a silent auction at 7p.m. and a live auction at 9p.m.

PLUS, complimentary hors d oeuvres and wine samplings will be served courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock.

In case you don't know about the Angelus, here you go:
The residents and students at The Angelus all have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs for every day functioning. The 20-year-old organization in Hudson, Florida is a place for severely handicapped residents to call home. The Angelus currently has five group homes with 32 residents. With the continued help of the community, the goals and philosophy of the Angelus “a place to live, to love, to learn” will be maintained and the quality of life for the people who cannot help themselves will be assured. Visit www.theangelus.com for more information.

and of course, you can log on to www.seminolehardrocktampa.com to get more info about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.

ASIBE Magazine Launch Party at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Oct. 22

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Hello all, Jerm here with some Tampa Bay area events news for you guys! Our friends over at the Seminole Hard Rock & Hotel, Tampa be holding a launch party for the new magazine AS*I*BE in Floyd’s nightclub with a portion of the cover proceeds benefiting the Academy Prep Foundation.

The public (21 years and up) are invited. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football player Ian Beckles will host the event on Thursday, Oct 22 at 10 p.m. Admission for women at the door will be $5 from 10 p.m. until midnight; $10 until closing. Price for men is $15 all night.

A live, on-site 93.3 FLZ radio remote broadcast will occur from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring Rat and Puff. Drinks are free for the ladies free until midnight followed by $3 drink specials all night. Resident Floyd’s DJ Chris Craze will fill in from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. before Rat and Puff take to the airways.

I am not really one to pass up a drink special, so you can rest assured your boy jerm is planning to be in the place as well, so be sure to mark your calendars for this and come out and show your support for a great cause!

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TO FEATURE TOP INDUSTRY LEADERS!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Josh Jones

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Emerge Tampa Bay are please to present the TAMPA BAY SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: THE ARRIVAL OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL!

From the field to the ice to the front office, the sports industry in Tampa Bay and around the world is a dynamic and competitive one with young professionals rising among the ranks faster than ever. Come meet Tampa Bay's youngest and brightest leaders in the sports scene and hear what they did to take their game to the top of the class!

Speakers:
Matt Silverman, President, Tampa Bay Rays
Mark Dominik, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steven Stamkos, Player, Tampa Bay Lightning
Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Andrew Nester, Owner, Tampa Bay Rowdies

EVENT INFORMATION
Event Name: Tampa Bay Sports Leadership Summit: The Arrival of the Young Professional
Event Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
Event Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Event Location: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center- Jaeb Theatre
Event Address: 1010 N.W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa

The cost to attend this event is $10 at the door or a new or gently used sporting good, both of which will be donated to Tampa Bay area youth leagues. Breakfast will be provided by Panera Bread.

Free parking for the first 40 cars in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center valet lot or W.F. Poe Parking Garage is $1.20 an hour. Register below and be sure to check back for more things to do in Tampa Bay from your Tampa Bay team.

To pre-register CLICK HERE

What's Goin On This Weekend in Tampa Bay This Weekend...

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Boy the final weekend in month of September is going to be a busy one I tell ya. I will try my hardest to pry myself from the comfy confines of my own bed and get out and experience some of the great things going on this weekend. Here is my proposed time line thus far:

Saturday
10:00 - 1130 a.m.: MacDinton's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Hyde Park, to watch the Manchester United vs Stoke City game on television.

12:00 - 1 p.m.: Lunch at Daily Eats in Hyde Park.

1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Take the dog to the dog park

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Go to see the Weeki Wachee Mermaids at the Florida Aquarium (will tweet live from this and take pictures)

3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Catch up on all of my college football updates and scores.

7:00 - 10 p.m. Check out Shriek Peek at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's Zoo Boo

Sunday

All Day Watching Football! In particular watching your Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team take on Eli Manning and the New York Giants. The Bucs have gotten off to a slow start this season but will look to bounce back against this NFC East powerhouse at Raymond James Stadium.

Be sure to get there early and get your tailgate on before kick-off as well!

All in all this weekend will be a good one and should kick-off a busy month of October here in the bay area!

Well that's all for now as Jerm is signing off for now and stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tailgating Tips for this Sunday from Chef Fabrizio & Chef Daniel...

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Partner Pulse

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team prepare for battle against the New York Giants, Pelagia Trattoria’s top culinary draft picks debated which palate-pleasing dishes they’d be most likely to create for a game day tailgate party.

In one corner stands 41-year-old Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, a native of Rivoli, Italy who is 6’ 4” and has 23 years of culinary experience. Facing off with him is Daniel Goldich, a 30-year-old native of Atlantic City who has worked in the culinary arts field for 12 years, stands 5’ 10” and is the Senior Banquet Chef at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel, where Pelagia Trattoria is housed.

One the older, more experienced chef whose interests favor World Cup Soccer matches over American football games. The other a native of New Jersey who knows football fans are as serious about their food as they are their favorite sport.

Together they came up with a winning game day strategy for a feast that features hot foods, fresh veggies, delicious desserts and a lot of fun!

Daniel: We would have to have paninis, an Italian-version of a hot, grilled sandwich. Those are usually filled with cured meats like capicola, mortadella, salami and provolone and served with an Italian-style bread that has been scooped out and filled with meats, cheese and a muffuletta olive spread. You want to have finger food. Instead of spending most of the time cooking, it’s best to bring some items to a tailgate that require minimal cooking or heating so you can have fun and enjoy everyone’s company without fussing over a lot of food.

Fabrizio: What I would do for a tailgate is pizza. But I would pre-make some of it before the game and then put it on the grill once I am there. You can bring along pizza dough that is partly baked. I would cook both sides on the grill to raise the dough a little bit and then put on the tomatoes, the mozzarella cheese, some onions and sausage and then roll it. People like it and it is fun to make. You should use good Italian sausage or even chicken sausage and make it like a calzone.

Then I would serve fresh vegetables that I’ve grilled instead of serving chips. The night before, get together with friends and make basil oil, gazpacho dipping sauce or some sort of reduction sauce with beer or wine in it. Put those into different squirt bottles and use them to coat the top of the veggies. We do something similar at Pelagia for our Caesar fondue. By brushing the romaine lettuce with just a light coat of olive oil before lightly grilling the entire leaf you give it a slightly smoky flavor that lets the flavor of the vegetable come through and keeps it just a little bit crisp, not soggy. You can use eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, fennel….

Daniel: No don’t put fennel on the grill. Maybe something like butter squash. And I think you need to have steak. The Pelagia ribeye uses a signature rub made with garlic, porcini powder, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar and sugar. That particular cut of steak has enough fat content to keep it juicy and flavorful so it holds up well on a grill. But you should marinate the steak the day before so all you have to do is put in on the grill, cook and enjoy.

Fabrizio: For people who don’t like steak, or just want to enjoy some seafood, take some shrimp that are still in the shell. Place the shrimp shell side down on the grill with a bit of foil underneath. Brush the top of the shrimp with some spicy butter made with paprika, lemon juice, garlic, chopped parsley and cayenne pepper. Just leave the shrimp on the grill for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, and enjoy!

Daniel: In the tradition of tailgating, how about some Italian S’mores for dessert? Take some biscotti, top it with some Verona chocolate, add marshmallows and then lightly grill it just enough to soften the chocolate and melt the marshmallows.

Fabrizio: Tailgating is a time to enjoy a lot of great foods in a casual manner. And to use some ingredients that are seasonal. You could bring along a pound cake and slice into individual pieces. Use some Honey Crisp apple slices, that are in season now, pine nuts and raisins, place the piece of pound cake on grill quickly just to toast it very lightly. Spread a little Nutella on top, add the fruits and nuts and serve.

Daniel: Now all we need is the perfect drink to enjoy with all of this great food. How about a little twist on the traditional recipe for sangria? It’s fall so why not add apples and cranberries instead of the usual citrus fruits? And substitute grappa for brandy?
Fabrizio: Sounds good. Now we just have to get tickets to the game, pack up the grill, pick up the ingredients and head out to Raymond James Stadium Sunday.

Daniel: As great as that sounds, that is my day off. I think I should celebrate the day by not cooking and just relaxing and enjoying the game.

Pre-game, post-game or anytime, enjoy the fresh, seasonal flavors that are the signature of Tampa’s Pelagia Trattoria. Chefs Schenardi and Goldich have helped make Pelagia one of “America’s Top Restaurants 2009,” according to Zagat. Pelagia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and located in the lobby level of the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.

The Four Diamond property was named “2008 Renaissance Hotel of the Year” by Marriott International. www.pelagiatrattoria.com or www.renaissancetampa.com.

For information, or reservations, call 813-313-3235 and stay tuned in for additional info on Tampa Bay dining and Tampa Bay hotel updates.

It's Time to Tailgate!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Who is ready to tailgate before the Bucs play the Giants on September 27th?!

Lisa here from Levy Restaurants to tell you about this awesome event. Don’t wait until kickoff to start the fun, join us on the West side of the stadium at 10am for our tailgate! Enjoy unlimited food, cooked fresh by our chefs on the grill, unlimited soft drinks and a live band- all stationed where the players walk into the stadium!

Order your tailgate tickets in advance for only $29.95 and receive two complimentary beer coupons per person! With that admission, you get access to entry into tailgate areas, unlimited Chef Table favorites and live music. What a deal! Don't let this opportunity pass you by to come out and support the Bucs before the game!

Call a Levy Restaurants Representative at 813.350.6490 today for more information and to reserve your spot at the season's best tailgate! Tickets are still available for all of the remaining home games this season.

This is Lisa signing off now, but I look forward to seeing you at the tailgate, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football tailgating updates!

Event Guide for this Weekend in Tampa Bay!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend. Let's just get to it shall we??!!

Tommy Davidson hits the Tampa Improv in Historic Ybor City (Centro Ybor) on Friday at 8pm! This Actor, stand-up comedian, musician, and singer will be a blast to listen to and experience, so head out there and get ready to laugh!!!

Next, head out to the World's Largest Garage Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds! It's Saturday from 9am to 10pm. This two-day, huge garage sale event showcases more than 400 booths of merchandise inside the Expo Hall and outdoor displays with assortment of vehicles and water crafts.

There will be a business trade show area, a health and wellness section with free screenings and exhibitors, a music stage with live celebrity karaoke, and free giveaways every hour. Children 17 and younger are free (accompanied by adult), and adults are $5!

Don't miss the football action at the hometown USF Bulls take on Charleston Southern at Raymond James Stadium! Kickoff is 7pm and there's sure to be some hard-hitting action...so tune in or get out there and cheer them on in person!

What would a weekend be without Free Line Dance Lessons??!! It's Saturday at 8pm at Slingshots here in Tampa! So, if you love to Dance, come hang out at Slingshots on Saturday (and Saturdays) and learn from the best. Every Saturday from 8-10 they offer the best in line dance lessons.... from the oldies but goodies... to the newest in country. Remember there is no cover before 10 so the lessons are completely FREE!

We'll leave you with "Upstairs/Downstairs" at the Tampa Bay Hotel on Sunday at 2pm! this is the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa campus, so make sure you check this one out, because this place is really cool. They will present single-character vignettes that bring the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life with live theater. Trust me, this will be one to see.

Now, this is just a taste of what's happening this weekend, so if you know of more events, please chime in and let us know!!!!!!

Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events!

Finger Lickin' Good BBQ!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment for the whole family. I know it's a little early, but we want to get this on the calendar early!

On Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10am to 5pm, top teams of elaborately equipped cooks will come from all over the country to Plant City for the Seventh Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship.

About 70 teams will be competing for $15,000 in cash and prizes in this KCBS (that's Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned event.

Basically what we are talking about here is a pure, down-home party centered on eating delicious, slow-cooked barbecue ribs, pork, beef brisket and chicken. There will be plenty of opportunities during the event to chat with cooks about their grills and pits, the wood they burn and how they prepare their meats.

But, I would expect that they would give out their recipes...but you can ask at your own risk.

And I did say this was some Tampa Bay entertainment for the whole family. Kids will be entertained in the children’s play area, and sno-cones, cookies, and refreshments will be available.

Plus, if you are so inclined, attendees can check out barbecue-related items that will be for sale such as rubs and sauces, books and DVDs.

And, one of my FAVORITE aspects...none of the spectators have to worry about missing Saturday football. Live telecasts of the day’s games will be broadcast in the beer pavilion.

And how's this for some Tampa Bay entertainment inside of some Tampa Bay enterainment? The Jason Young Band will have the crowd on their feet when they take the stage from 11am until 2pm performing country, rock n’ roll and oldies.

It all takes place at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex (1500 South Park Road in Plant City...2.5 miles south of I-4 from Exit #22.)

If all that wasn't enough...Admission is FREE; and parking is only $5. To get even more info, head over to www.plantcity.org or call 813-754-3707.

You can bet I'll be out there! Keep checking back for more updates about this, and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

2009 ACC LEGENDS CLASS ANNOUNCED, HIGHLIGHTED BY HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS!

Friday, September 4, 2009 by Josh Jones

Recently announced was the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2009 Legends class. This year’s group is highlighted by two state standouts and former Heisman trophy winners in Chris Weinke (Florida State) and Vinny Testaverde (Miami), and one of the ACC’s winningest coach in Danny Ford (Clemson).

The Legends will be honored at this year's Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game weekend. They will appear at the ACC Coaches and Awards Luncheon at noon on Friday, Dec. 4, and will be honored at the "ACC Night of Legends" held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Friday evening. They will also be recognized during pre-game ceremonies at Raymond James Stadium for the 5th Annual Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, which has an 8 p.m. kickoff on Dec. 5 and will be nationally televised by ESPN.

This year’s class is well known for the individual accolades it has accomplished both at the collegiate the pro level. Combined are two Heisman trophy winners, three ACC Players of the Year and seven All-Americans that went on to accrue 79 years of professional football experience. Also to highlight are the combined two national championships, one NFL World Championship, and 15 ACC team titles held by this group.

You can catch the legends signing autographs, FREE at ACC FanFest before the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Championship game! For more information about the ACC Championship game and its surrounding events, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com.

For more information on the ACC Legends click here!

Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

Tonight in Tampa!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment options for tonight! I mean, it's almost the weekend, so I say let's start the weekend early and enjoy some of these Tampa Bay area events while we can.

Here's a quick overview:

How could we start with anything else by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers??!! The Bucs are taking on the Miami Dolphins tonight at 8pm at the famed Raymond James Stadium...the crown jewel of teh NFL! I'll be there, so I'll have photos for you tomorrow!

Also at 8pm tonight, Jobsite Theater Presents Pericles: A New Rock Musical. It's at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and Joe Popp (Maxwell, Jy2K) is bringing his power-punk music and oddball sense of humor back to Tampa and teaming up with perennial Jobsite contributors Neil Gobioff & Shawn Paonessa (The Curse of Milhaven, The March of the Kitefliers) in this 10th year of celebrating bringing new work to the stage. It's a great deal too...tickets are $24.50...just remember that it dontains some adult language, situations and subject matter.

Next, it's time to laugh!!!! Catch Helen Keaney at the Tampa Improv in Historic Ybor City, or you can see Flip Schultz at Side Splitters Comedy Club in North Tampa. Both are playing at 8pm and both will have you rolling on the floor laughing...so be sure to get up and get ready to get down!

At Center Place, only there for 3 days, catch: Sweene Todd Musical. How about this for a deal...General admission is $12 and Seniors & Students are $10! So, take advantage of this awesome Tampa Bay entertainment, and get ready to enjoy some performing arts!!!

We'll cap this off with the Grateful Dead Night at Skipper's Smokehouse in North Tampa. It's tonight at 8pm at one of the staples of Tampa's entertainment and dining venues...SKIPPER'S!!!!! Bringing the music & spirit of the Grateful Dead to Skipper's every Thursday, Uncle John's Band has been together since the early 90s and raising the Dead at Skipper's since 1998. Hippies please use side door. All bottled beer will be on special.

But, there's plenty more to do than that...so let us know what else is out there, and we'll try to bring you more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Until then...get ready to have some fun!

Pewter Nation Tailgate Next Weekend

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang. Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment you have all been waiting for. That's right, football season has arrived, and it's time to start getting excited. The Tampa Bay Bucs have a full schedule packed with action. Well, the Pewter Nation has your solution to cheering the Bucs on to Victory - the Pewter Nation Buccaneer Tailgate parties!

It's $35 each game (you can get as many or as few tickets as you want) and it includes Freshly prepared BBQ, Chicken, Ribs, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Pasta Bar, Taco Bar, Cole Slaw, Italian Ice, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled Water, Ice Cold Draft Budweiser and Budweiser Light and Music by Pewter DJ Bob Moore. Now that's a deal on some very cool Tampa Bay entertainment!

The games you can participate in are: vs. Dallas Cowboys (9/13); vs. New York Giants (9/27); vs. Green Bay Packers (11/8); vs. New York Jets (12/13).

If you are interested, entry Wrist bands can be purchased online at www.GearUpForTheGame.com, and wristbands to tailgate/pep rally includes: Entry into Tailgate Hospitality Tent, All you can eat and drink (Opens 3 hours before kickoff). Plus, parking available close to the tailgate on Hillsborough Community College property.

So, make sure you head over to www.GearUpForTheGame.com to get the full scoop and get your tickets now! And Go Bucs!

We'll see you out there, but keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

VOTE FOR TAMPA!!!

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Greetings Tampa fans!!! Jessica here asking for your Tampa Bay Team spirit! ~

We all know Football season is around the corner.... well this year Mayor Pam Iorio has decided to face-off with a few other mayors in the Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Mayoral Face-off. But guess what? We need your help to win $15,000 for Tampa's NFL Youth Education Town at Jackson Heights.

All you have to do is select your favorite city in the Yahoo! Fantasy Mayoral Face-off poll by visiting: http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f2/mayoral-faceoff VOTE TODAY, vote tomorrow, and keep voting until September 10. But don't keep all the fun to yourself, share the link with friends and family! (After all, it's for the kids.)

We all know Tampa is a great city - so here's our chance to prove it! Let's show those other cities that it pays to live in the sunshine state!! VOTE NOW!

Thanks everyone and check back soon for more Tampa Bay area events on the way :)

2009 Equals Tailgate Time!!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Greetings football fans! Lisa here from Levy Restaurants! If you didn't already know, we are only weeks away from the Buccaneers football season opener! Why wait till after kickoff to stuff your face full of game day goodies when you can just let us take care of you before the game too. Be sure to join us on the West side of the stadium 3 hours before every home game.

Enjoy unlimited food, cooked fresh by our chefs on the grill, unlimited soft drinks and a live band- all stationed where the players walk into the stadium!

Order your tailgate tickets in advance for only $29.95 and receive two complimentary beer coupons per person! Now with that admission, you get access to entry into tailgate areas, Chef Table favorites and live music. Now that's what I call a deal people!

Don't let this opportunity pass you buy to kick-off the season with Coach Morris and the Bucs! Call a Levy Restaurants Representative at 813.350.6490 for more information and to reserve your spot at the season's best tailgate! This is Lisa signing off now, but stay tuned for more Levy themed tailgating things to do in Tampa Bay!

Taligaiting Tips from Chef Jonathon Luft!

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by Partner Pulse

About the guest blogger: Chef Jonathan Luft is the Executive Chef of InterContinental Tampa. Bringing more than 10 years of culinary experience to the table (and kitchen), Chef Luft oversees the daily operations at Shula’s Steak House, as well as assists with banquets and menu creation for the hotel’s special events.

With football/tailgating season just around the corner, I thought I would offer up some of my favorite tips for preparing a hassle-free, gourmet-style tailgate. These few tips will allow you to huddle up with your friends instead of stressing and slaving over the grill.

Do a twice-baked potato the night before and then wrap in foil and reheat on the grill the day of the game.
Grilling is about having a good time with friends so take it slow - prepare larger pieces of meat on lower heat (not to burn it) and then portion them out on platters for everyone to enjoy. (I like to marinate my meat the night before).
I like grilling thick pieces of onion, tomato, whole Portobello and asparagus to serve with the meat. Vegetable marinate is easy a splash of oil, molasses, balsamic, salt and pepper. Put them on the top rack to drip their juices over the grilled items below.
Fish is always good on the grill. Leave the skin on to help hold it together. I like a simple rub of olive oil, fresh lemon and a little garlic.
Tailgating is about fun, so do as much prep at home as you can. Also, do smaller portions easy to hold in one hand so you can hold your favorite beverage in the other! Enjoy!

For a more intimate dining experience, come join us at Shula’s where we offer award winning Premium Black Angus Beef brand steaks, fresh seafood and heavenly desserts right inside InterContinental Tampa.

And, ladies, come join us at Shula’s on Aug.19 from 6-8 p.m. for Ladies Chalk Talk where celebrity coaches and former Buccaneers, Shelton Quarles and Ian Beckles will do some Football 101 with the girls. Of course, there will be amazing food, drink and a raffle…and all proceeds benefit the IMPACT Foundation, which provides resources and opportunities to at-risk single parent families throughout Tampa Bay. For more information and to register, please visit www.LadiesChalkTalk.com.

2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Tickets On Sale Now!

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Josh Jones

The road through the college football season to the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship will once again culminate in Tampa on December 5 at Raymond James Stadium. Will you again be there as the two division champions battle it out for the right to represent the ACC in the Bowl Championship Series?

Be the first to purchase your tickets to this year's Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, one of the best values in all of college football. TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM
Get your tickets now!

For more information about the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Stay tuned for more updates and Tampa Bay area events from your Tampa Bay Sports team!

Exclusive Ticket Pre-Sale Offer For the 2009 ACC Football Championship!

Friday, July 31, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here with an exclusive offer for you, courtesy of the ACC and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

The road through the college football season to the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship will once again culminate in Tampa on December 5 at Raymond James Stadium. Will you be there as the two division champions battle it out for the right to represent the ACC in the Bowl Championship Series?

Be the first to purchase your tickets to this year's championship game, one of the best values in all of college football. Take advantage of the exclusive Ticketmaster pre-sale and get your seats at the lowest price before tickets go on sale to the general public on August 3!!!

Stay tuned for more sports updates and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Click here for the pre-sale and get your tickets now!

Pro Body Builders Visit Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with an update about some Tampa Bay area events we brought to you a while back. The IFBB Bodybuilding Championship is coming to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center next weekend, and is sure to be some amazing Tampa Bay entertainment.

Well, in addition to performing on-stage, some participating professional bodybuilders are going to be visiting the Boys & Girls Club to show their support, discuss the benefits of physical fitness and to sign autographs. These athletes will include former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneer and now IFBB pro, Nate Wonsley, along with IFBB pros, Dennis James, Marcus Haley and Brandie Gardner.

It'll all happen on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 3:30pm at the Steinbrenner Family West Tampa Boys & Girls Club (at 1301 North Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33607).

Here's a little about the show at the performing arts center: the show is a leading health and fitness event showcasing some of the industry’s premier figure, fitness and bodybuilding athletes who have traveled from all over the world to compete in various classes and groups for the honor of receiving an award on this prestigious night. Event attendees may purchase tickets for the show from www.tbpac.org. Or, you can head over to www.pbwproshow.com to get more details.

So, get out there and enjoy some more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa's Hidden Jewel: The Tahitian Inn

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Convention Sales

If you are coming to Tampa Bay and you are not sure of where to stay, I suggest looking into the Tahitian Inn Hotel, Cafe & Spa. Located off of Dale Mabry in Tampa's WestShore District, the Inn is a hidden jewel that even some residents do not know about. The historical boutique hotel is nestled in a tropical garden oasis, set back from the road just enough for you to forget you are in the middle of the Dale Mabry Business District.

The Inn has a variety of guest rooms to choose from, from spacious cabana rooms, executive suites and even the completely furnished Bella Villa town homes that can be rented for families, multiple occupancies or extended stays. All guest rooms are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and are decorated in Tommy Bahama-style furnishings, adding to the tropical oasis atmosphere.

If you are staying at the Tahitian Inn, you don't have to worry about where to eat. The Tahitian Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with breakfast served until 3 p.m. I unfortunately have not had the chance to have brunch at the Tahitian, but I've heard that many famous athletes go there on a regular basis, so that certainly says something!

The Tahitian Inn is in the perfect location, only 4 miles from Tampa International Airport, with tons of Tampa bars close by, prime shopping and sports arenas, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football stadium, Raymond James Stadium. The hotel offers guests complimentary airport shuttle (and transportation within a 5 mile radius), free high-speed wireless Internet access and 24-hour Health Club.

The hotel's Serenity Spa offers facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and more. The Torch is the Inn's poolside Tiki bar, which makes it easy to order your favorite cocktail without having to leave your lounge chair. And for people who hate traveling without their special friends, pets are welcome at the Inn!

For more information on the Inn or to book your reservation, visit the hotel's Web site. As always, thanks for reading and keep checking back for more information on Tampa Bay meetings and hotels!