Super Bowl in Tampa Bay

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!

Hello Fellow Sports’ Fans!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

It is the Old Gal reporting again, Linda Sadler Mummert! It has just been announced by the SportsTravel magazine the winners of the 2009 SportsTravel Awards at the TEAMS 2009 Conference & Expo, held Oct. 13-17 in New Orleans. Super Bowl XLIII, held in Tampa Bay in February 2009, has received the award for Best Professional Single-Sport Event! Way to Go Tampa Bay!!

The SportsTravel Award winners were nominated and voted upon by readers of SportsTravel magazine. The ballot included nominees at the amateur, collegiate and professional levels in three categories each, and to be eligible, events had to occur between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

Criteria for nomination and voting included: superior organization of and attendance at the event; the event provided a superior experience for competitors and/or spectators; and the event's host city or venue served to enhance the event.

Travel, Events And Management in Sports (TEAMS) is the world's largest gathering of event organizers and travel planners from the sports industry. The TEAMS Conference & Expo is organized by Schneider Publishing, the Los Angeles-based company that publishes SportsTravel and Association News magazines. Earlier this year, TEAMS was named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows across all categories by Tradeshow Week magazine for the fifth time.

As the official Destination Marketing Organization for Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay & Company worked to establish and support the Super Bowl Host Committee in their efforts to organize and successfully execute Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay.
My hat is off to all who participated in making this “The Best Professional Single-Sport Event”.

Over and out for no! Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news updates from your Tampa Bay team!

Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII wins Award!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay sports news! I'm sure everyone remembers this past February when we held the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.

Well, SportsTravel magazine announced the winners of the 2009 SportsTravel Awards at their TEAMS 2009 Conference & Expo (this is a really cool event that was held Oct. 13-17 in New Orleans).

Super Bowl XLIII has received the award for Best Professional Single-Sport Event!

The SportsTravel Award winners were nominated and voted upon by readers of SportsTravel magazine. The ballot included nominees at the amateur, collegiate and professional levels in three categories each, and to be eligible, events had to occur between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

Criteria for nomination and voting included: superior organization of and attendance at the event; the event provided a superior experience for competitors and/or spectators; and the event's host city or venue served to enhance the event.

Here's some info about TEAMS for you, in case you were interested:
Travel, Events And Management in Sports (TEAMS) is the world's largest gathering of event organizers and travel planners from the sports industry. The TEAMS Conference & Expo is organized by Schneider Publishing, the Los Angeles-based company that publishes SportsTravel and Association News magazines.

And, earlier this year, TEAMS was named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows across all categories by Tradeshow Week magazine for the fifth time.

and there you have it...I hope everyone keeps checking back for more Tampa Bay sports news and info, as well as info about 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!

The team is in place...let's bring it home

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa Tourism news! By now, I'm sure you've all heard that Tampa is bidding to host the FIFA World Cup! In case you haven't, now you know.

And if you don't know much about it, let's just say that it's HUGE! It's like hosting 4 or 5 Super Bowls at once! So, it's pretty important, and it would be a great thing if it came to Tampa.

Well, the team has been put in to place. The Tampa Bay Bid Committee for the World Cup is ready to bring it home. Leading the Tampa Bay Bid Committee as Chairman will be Chuck Sykes, president and chief executive officer of Sykes Enterprises, Inc.

Also included in the Tampa Bay Bid Committee are community leaders, elected officials, industry professionals and others, including one of the most powerful women in the world...honestly!

Now, Tampa Bay is among the final 27 cities under consideration to serve as a potential World Cup host city. Tampa Bay & Company is requesting the support of community members, partners, Tampa Bay fans, and everyone else to help bring the FIFA World Cup™ back to the United States and to Tampa Bay for the first time.

Log on to www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay and join the movement to bring this prestigious event to our destination. It only takes seconds to sign the petition, and a goal of 50,000 signatures has been set!

When I say that it only takes seconds, I really mean that it only takes seconds, so help us out and log on!

And as always, keep checking back. We'll be bringing you updates about this and other Tampa tourism information, along with great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events.

GO BULLS!!! Kick some Cincy Tail!!!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by jeremy fairley

Alright gang, I guess the title will once again speak for itself as most of my posts have lately. Tonight, your #21 ranked USF Bulls will take on the #8 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats tonight at Raymond James Stadium.

Folks I don't really have to tell you how big of a game this is so come out to the stadium tonight and show your support for what is quite possibly the biggest game in the history of the program! Ray J is approaching 58,000 rabid fans for tonight's game so you gotta make sure its so loud that Tony Pike (Cincy quarterback) can't even hear himself think!

George Selvie of the USF Bulls Defensive Unit...

Rumor has it, well its not quite a rumor, that the stadium will be going green tonight! No I don't mean environmental green, but rather USF green! The Bulls are 5-0 against their last 5 top 25 ranked opponents to include victories over West Virginia, Kansas, and Auburn to name a few.

Coach Leavitt and the gang are gonna be looking to make it 6-0 tonight in front of a record sellout student section!

If you can't make it out to the game, be sure to gather at your local watering whole and root the Bulls on!

As far as Tampa Bay area events go, guys it won't get much better than this tonight in the bay area. You can also bet that once the Bulls upset the Kitty Cats, that the Tampa Bay nightlife scene will be bumpin, so you got plenty of reasons to be at the game and then hitting up the celebrations after wards!

That's all for now, but root for the Bulls and and be sure to check back for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

U2 Tomorrow Night at Raymond James Stadium... Are You Ready!

Thursday, October 8, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Well if you are not ready, then I suggest you get there really fast! Jerm here from your favorite Tampa Bay team of in the know bloggers with an important update that I am sure you all have been waiting for! A little less than 36 hours from now, Bono and the U2 crew will be rocking out Raymond James Stadium tomorrow night to an expected crowd of well over 60,000 fans!

Tickets for this bad boy sold out a long time ago from what I hear, so if you don't have tickets by now, then you are gonna have to wait for the next one. Me and Bono are tight like sardines and when I rang him on his mobile and asked him to get me tickets, even he couldn't help me out!

Okay, so I made up that last part, as I have never met Bono, but you get the point people, its sold out! Word on the street is that this monstrous circular stage, nicknamed "The Claw," costs $40 million.

Typically when I write a check the bank could bounce, as I have some deep pockets, but even for me that is a large amount of coin!

There are actually three stages that tour the country. It takes about thirty-seven trucks and a crew of more than 100 workers arrive several days in advance to set up, and the crews were working their tails off yesterday to get setup before the concert! For more info on this stage and the U2 360 Tour, be sure to check out their website.

As you can imagine, an event of this magnitude is going to have people coming from near and far, so be sure you get there early to try and beat the crowd. The stadium website is the best place to go in order to get all the show info with regards to stadium parking, FAQ's, etc so here is a link for that!

While I was at the stadium yesterday for the Press conference regarding Tampa Bay's World Cup Bid, I did happen to see the stage setup for the concert, and believe me when I tell you that there are truly few words to describe it! I can only describe it as "out of this world, and quite possibly the most amazing thing I have ever laid eyes on, with the exception of of a certain bartender friend of mine who will be working at the stadium tomorrow in the club section.

If you happen to be in either the east or west club area, be sure to go and say hi to Alexis aka "Lexie" for me, and be sure to buy your drinks from her! You will recognize her as the the girl whose smile will be sure to outshine the stadium lights!

Well folks, that's all I got for now but be sure to check back with me for my future updates about all of the great Tampa Bay area events so you can be in the know about what to do in our fine city this October!

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!

The Race Report from Terri P...all the way from Prague!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey there Tampa Bay...Terri P. back with more updates from the World Dragon Boat Racing Championship here in Prague! You will hear how Team USA did today from Phil and the others, so I will tell you other stuff from the race course.

It rained last night so the athletes village area was not so great. It will be good in Tampa as we want to host the athlete village in the Tampa Convention Center. Rain will not bother us there for sure. Lots of campers too. Not sure about that. I like a shower too much. Anway, we bought the tent and stuff today, we hauled out the brochures and went to work like we always do…. Selling Tampa...and all the great things to do in Tampa Bay...not to mention the beautiful Tampa Bay weather!

It was easy really. We have a course that you can walk to. We drove one hour to get there. It is like driving to Disney for a race EVERY day. NOT! Beautiful facility but very remote. We are giving away a free paddle and a Tampa attractions package.

Don’t tell Jane Godfrey in my office because I forgot to tell her we were doing that and well, she gets stuck getting the certificates. It is hugely popular. Not as much as the beads and blinky Tampa Bay & Company pins that we are giving out. Crazy!!!

We have lots of people wanting to come in 2011. They are starting their fundraising now for the trip. We spoke with the Czechs, Hungarians, Brits, Ozzies, South Africans, Phillipeans??? What do you call one from the Phillipines except for nice of course.

There are 26 countries here and they all have very favorable things to say about coming to Tampa in 2011. We are the first city ever to pre-promote the event for the upcoming year. Okay the Russians don’t say anything because they don’t speak Czech or English. They just want blinky pins! That is okay too!

We were mobbed today. We were giving out beads and the Ozzies would only take green and gold. Go figure. Hearing ozzie, ozzie, ozzie, oy, oy, oy reminded me of being back in Sydney for the 2000 Olympic Games. Very cool. How cannot you not like an Ozzie. By the way, it is not Aussie. It is Ozzie. They call it the land of Oz.

We got out of there today before it started pouring rain. Yep, packed the car of the tent, the brochures and the pins. We will set up again tomorrow. We will be out of blinky pins and beads by tomorrow if it is a day like today.

It is nice to sell Tampa to people who have never heard of our city except for dragon boat racing. Super Bowl? What is that?

Pics to follow from Christine, Kevin and the others...and don't forget you can check out more updates and all of the photos on the Tampa Bay & Company facebook page - www.facebook.com/visittampabay!

It's late, so I'm off to bed...more tomorrow!

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.