Super Bowl in Tampa Bay

Hello there again college hockey fans! Jerm back here with another update on all things NCAA Frozen Four Hockey in Tampa Bay! As you already know, this year's installment of the NCAA Frozen Four will held at our very own Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum, is Florida’s premier entertainment venue and home of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Five-Time Arena Football Champion Tampa Bay Storm!

What you also may not have known that the Tampa Bay Times Forum has recently under went a 40 million dollar transformation! As a Frozen Four College Hockey Fanatic, you'll get to see and experience all of these amenities first hand next Thursday and Saturday as you watch your team's battle it out on the ice!

To wet your whistle a bit before the puck drops, here are 5 quick cool, quick facts about the new Tampa Bay Times Forum:

As you can see, when it comes to the fan experience, the folks over at the Tampa Bay Times Forum have you the fan top of mind! Of course you know however, that there are even more new cool things going on at the Forum, and we'll be back later with another post to tell you more about those features!

All of these great enhancements are part of the Tampa Bay is New Now initiative! For more information, visit www.TampaBayIsNewNow.com to learn more. That's all for now folks, but keep checking back in for more college hockey updates!

Good Afternoon! JoLynn here to share about our recent visit to Buds, Blooms & Beyond, a Tampa Bay & Company partner!

As a family owned and operated business serving the greater Tampa area, we learned first-hand how they offer only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and most importantly, prompt!

If you’re looking for high-style floral arrangements and gift baskets, to European/dish gardens or tropicals, they’re the company to call! We also learned they have serviced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers florals for over seven years. Chances are if you’ve been in Raymond James Stadium for a Bucs game, you’ve enjoyed their arrangements!

Their shop serves Tampa, Safety Harbor, Odessa, Oldsmar, Lutz, Temple Terrace, Davis Islands, Palm Harbor, Brandon, Carrollwood, Ybor City, and MacDill AFB.

Hey Sports Fans, Tony here to share some exciting news from the Equestrian world! For two weeks, the world’s top equestrian will gather in Tampa for Stadium Jumping, Inc.’s 2012 Tampa Equestrian Series, set to run from March 28-April 7, 2012.

The series will begin with the Tampa Bay Classic CSI, to be held March 28-April 1 at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Tournament of Champions CSI will follow, April 3-7, also at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. In addition to these events, the FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI 2*-W Grand Prix of Tampa will take place on Sunday, April 1. This will be the final qualifying event for the 2012 World Cup Finals in Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands.

The 2012 Equestrian Series will culminate at Raymond James Stadium with the 40^th Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G&C Farm. The event, one of the premier show jumping events in the U.S., is set for April 7.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more news on what's coming up in Tampa Bay Sports!

Good afternoon everyone, Alex here to let you know about a fun way to kick off Gasparilla early. 

With the Gasparilla Parade quickly approaching, the parties are already starting to begin.

On Thursday, January 19, former NFL linebacker Ryan Nece is hosting the
Kickoff to Gasparilla party at Gaspar’s Grotto in historic Ybor City.

The party will be held from 5:30-8:30p.m. on the patio of the World Famous
Gaspar’s Grotto located at 1805 E. 7th Ave. in Tampa’s Ybor City. DJ Papi
of Wild Out Entertainment will provide the entertainment throughout the
evening.

There is no admission or cover charge to attend the party, but guests are
encouraged to enjoy dinner and drinks, as Gaspar’s will donate a portion
of the night’s proceeds to the Ryan Nece Foundation.

Also, many great raffle prizes will be up for grabs, including two tickets to Gasparilla Bash 2012 on Bayshore, a gift certificate to Skydive City, a round of golf for four at Tampa Palms Country Club, a two-night weekend stay at the Hilton
Carillon and more!

Proceeds from food and beverage sales, as well as raffle ticket sales, will
benefit the Ryan Nece Foundation.

Enjoy a great party! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay.

Hey everyone.  Travis here with great Tampa Bay Hotel information surrounding the Outback Bowl, which is on January 2 this year!  The InterContinental Tampa is offering their "Outback Bowl" package for all fans coming in for the game this year. 

Starting at just $135* per night (Two night minimum. Rate is for two adults and does not include tax), fans can get in on the action just minutes from Raymond James Stadium.  A Shula’s Steak House mug will also be included that can be taken down to the lobby’s “No Name Lounge” for one free domestic beer during the stay. The package also includes the breakfast buffet for two and complimentary parking in the hotel’s covered garage. The “Outback Bowl” package is only available from December 29th – January 2nd, 2012.

In case you've never stayed at the InterContinental Tampa before, here's some info: The AAA Four Diamond InterContinental Tampa is the ultimate escape with a rooftop pool; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and outstanding on-site dining at the world-famous Shula’s Steak House. Guests can also enjoy gourmet Illy coffee products and “fare on the go” at Caffé, and an extensive cocktail menu at Shula’s No Name Lounge. The InterContinental Tampa offers complimentary wireless high-speed internet in guestrooms and public areas of the hotel, as well as complimentary transportation to the nearby airport. 

Remember, the Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan State Spartans will kick off at 1 p.m. on January 2 in the Outback Bowl. For more information, please visit www.outbackbowl.com.

To reserve the “Outback Bowl” package at InterContinental Tampa, please call (866) 402-0758 and mention rate code ILKSC or visit www.intercontampa.com.

Have fun everyone, and we'll see you in Tampa for the 26th Annual Outback Bowl.  And keep checking back for more updates, as well as info on great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 

Hey everyone.  Travis back with great gridiron things to do in Tampa Bay.  One of my favorite events of the year is the Outback Bowl!  Although our hometown USF Bulls can't play (it's a matchup between the SEC and Big Ten Conferences), we still have some of the country's best teams face off in Tampa Bay! 

This year, the Michigan State Spartans and Georgia Bulldogs will square-off in the Outback Bowl on January 2 in Tampa. That's right, the game is Jan. 2 this year!  It is a match-up of two 10-win Division Champions from two of the most prestigious conferences in college football. The Spartans are ranked 12th in the AP Poll while the Bulldogs are ranked 18th. It's hard to believe that we have two top 20 teams coming to Tampa Bay!

If you've ever been to an Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay, you know there are a lot of events to participate in surrounding the game, including parades, beach days, and much, much more.  You can find all of those events and information at www.OutbackBowl.com.  But we'll also be back with more updates about what's happening surrounding the game. 

But remember, the Outback Bowl will be played on January 2, kickoff at 1PM, at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster..just call (813) 287-8844 or 1-800-745-3000, or head over to www.ticketmaster.com. And if you just want your tickets in your hand, then tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet in the state of Florida.

And like I said, keep checking back here for more updates, or head over to www.OutbackBowl.com to get more details.  And we'll see you with more great Tampa Bay area events!

1. Name the first motor-sports event to be held at Raymond James Stadium?
2. Name two of the five title sponsors for the event.
3. True or False: Tom Meents, driver of Maximum Destruction is a professional monster truck driver and the only 5 time World Champion.

Tampa Bay & Company Director of Services and Special Events Susan Williams was recently appointed to Advisory Board for Special Events Magazine, the “official and premier magazine of the special events industry in North America,” according to the International Special Events Society.  

With over eight years of experience in a twofold role as Tampa Bay & Company, Director of Services and Special Events and twenty years in the Special Event Industry, she continuously provide outstanding service & professionalism throughout the community and industry when it comes to conventions or planning special events for Tampa Bay & Company & the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. 

Whether it’s working with meeting planners, an organization & convention attendees or planning a special event from an intimate dinner to the Super Bowl - it is noteworthy, speaks volumes and come as no surprise that Susan was selected to the advisory board.

Susan is one of the ten new members on the advisory board which consists of members from the US, Canada & Ireland and will serve a three year term.

Special Events is the leading information source for event professionals worldwide who plan or manage special events in hotels, resorts, clubs, banquet facilities, conference and convention centers, and other event sites.

In partnership with Special Events magazine and sister publication Corporate Meetings & Incentives, along with thousands of event professionals representing millions of dollars of buying power will gather January 24-27, 2012 in Tampa, at the Special Event Conference and Trade Show at the Tampa Convention Center to view the latest innovative event services, meet with suppliers and gain industry insights where the theme is to evolve, flourish & prosper!

Join us in a “Hip Hip Hooray Congratulations” to our very own Susan Williams !

That’s all for now, but be sure to tune in for more exciting convention and meeting news & updates…

Until then… Think Tampa!

We've got some big Tampa Bay sports news!  As many of you may know, Tampa Bay is bidding to host its 5th Super Bowl in 2015, and we need your help!  We are culminating Tampa Bay’s bid video with a group video shoot this Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Skyway Park in Tampa.   

We are asking that you and your family, friends, coworkers, colleagues, neighbors, staff and other community supporters come out to be a part of Tampa Bays’ bid to host Super Bowl XLIX.  Here are the details:

Who:  ALL Tampa Bay area residents and supporters

What:  Video shoot for Tampa Bay’s bid to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 

When:  Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011.  Please arrive promptly at 7:30pm. 

Where:  Skyway Park in Tampa - 3901 George Road, Tampa, FL 33634.

Details:  Participants will gather on the field at approximately 7:30pm to support Tampa Bay’s bid to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.  Collectively, the group will welcome the NFL and team owners back to Tampa Bay. 

The entire Tampa Bay community is invited to attend to show their support.  Those who plan to attend are requested to RSVP by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. 

RSVP: Please RSVP to Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com. 

This is a tremendous opportunity to show your support for our community’s effort to bring the Super Bowl back home to Tampa Bay.  If we are going to be successful, we need everyone’s participation! 

Please confirm if you plan to attend and how many representatives you will be bringing to Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com. 

And please help spread this message throughout the Tampa Bay community so everyone has the opportunity to show their passion for hosting the Super Bowl in 2015! 

Thanks for your help in bringing another Super Bowl in Tampa Bay! 

Paul Catoe has announced that he will retire from his current position as president and CEO of Tampa Bay & Company on Oct. 31, 2011.

"The opportunity to work with such a dedicated, professional, exciting and fun staff is an incredible adventure,” explained Catoe. “Being part of the Bureau for more than 12 years was the most rewarding and exhilarating experience of my professional career.  To be able to serve our board of directors, the county, the city, and most of all the community has been deeply gratifying.”  

Catoe has served as the organization’s leader since 1999.  In his years of service, Catoe left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay community and significantly raised the profile of the local hospitality industry.  Under his leadership, Tampa Bay & Company grew in both size and stature, and it is now one of the leading economic development engines in the region.

“Paul has been a role model for his team, the community and the entire state of Florida,” said Jim Bartholomay, general manager of the Tampa Renaissance Hotel International Plaza and Chairman of Tampa Bay & Company Board of Directors.  “His passion and love for Tampa Bay has produced remarkable results.  He is a personal friend and mentor and I, along with the entire industry, will miss him tremendously.”

During his tenure, Catoe led Tampa Bay & Company to expand its scope by incorporating the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Tampa Bay Film Commission into its fold.   The organization also underwent a major rebranding and repositioning effort, moving away from the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau moniker.  Tampa Bay & Company also experienced phenomenal success in elevating the community’s reputation as a capable and competent host for significant national and international meetings, conventions and sporting events.  

Tampa Bay & Company boosts the local economy annually by $3 billion and with tireless energy and a steadfast dedication to his community, Catoe has lead the Tampa Bay & Company team to successfully land the area’s fourth Super Bowl, several NCAA championships, and the World Dragon Boat Racing Championship.  

In addition, the Shiners International Imperial Session, which was the largest convention ever to come to Tampa in 2006, is slated to return in 2016.  And next year, Tampa Bay will play host to the Republican National Convention, drawing worldwide attention and generating significant economic impact to the region.  

A Search Committee has been formed to hire Catoe’s replacement, although he will remain involved with Tampa Bay & Company following his official retirement.  The Board of Directors has asked that he continue to work on the Republican National Convention, the 2015 Super Bowl bid and other projects.  

Thanks for the wonderful memories Paul …

Good afternoon everyone, who listens to rock music? If you do, Alex here to tell you about a great rock singer and band coming to the Hard Rock Café this July.

Iconic rock and roll innovator Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform in the new Hard Rock Cafe Tampa at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on July 13 at 10 p.m.
 
Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator and a visionary. As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, she's had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics.
 
Her music has become a permanent force in mainstream culture. Faith Hill sings "I Hate Myself for Loving You" as the theme for NBC's Sunday Night Football and "Bad Reputation" was the theme song for the “Hit Girl” heroine of the hit film, Kick Ass.  Her cover of "Love is All Around" (the theme song of The Mary Tyler Moore Show) became an anthem in women's sports and was used by the NCAA to promote the Women's Final Four. Jett supplied theme songs for the ESPN X-Games premiere and has contributed music to all of their games since.
 
Adding to Jett’s list of accomplishments is Blackheart Records, an independent label she founded with long time songwriting partner and producer Kenny Laguna, in 1980 - which made her the first female artist to own and operate an independent record company.
 
The multi-talented Jett has acted in movies, including 1987's Light of Day, and in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
 
As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI. Additionally, she is a spokesperson for PETA and a devoted supporter of the U.S. Military. 
 
You don’t want to miss Joan Jett and the Blackhearts appearance in Tampa on July 13, so buy your ticket today!

Get your tickets at the Hard Rock Store and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets cost $45. (General admission, standing room only) Doors open at 9 p.m.

For bottle service call the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa at 813-627-7755. Must be 21 years of age or older.