Tampa Bay Area Beaches

• 2009 InterContinental Hotels Group Renovation Award
• 2009 InterContinental Hotels Group Meeting Service Excellence Award
• 2009 Florida West Coast Chapter National Association of Catering Executives venue of the Year Award

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some really cool news...The Columbia Restaurant of Ybor City was named an  All-American Icon by Nation’s Restaurant News.  Ok, before we go on, let's all give a huge round of applause to the Columbia!!!!!!!!!

Ok, here are the details that we received -

Nation’s Restaurant News created their list of fifty All-American Icon restaurants “As a testament to the large number of restaurants that have persevered through the years and continue to be part of our social fabric.”  

In compiling the list, Nation’s Restaurant News sought to highlight longtime concepts that are not only intriguing, but also offer a broad representation of industry segments, foods and locales.  They looked for concepts that reflect the industry’s limitless entrepreneurialism and tell the stories of the communities that these restaurants have enriched. 

The Columbia Restaurant of Ybor City was founded in 1905 and is the oldest restaurant in Florida. All Columbia locations are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family.

The magazine also strove to give insight into the allure of the concept, the food, personalities and lore that keep customers coming back decade after decade.  Other Florida restaurants named to this list of All-American Icons include Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, and Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami.

According to the magazine, “No other institution in Tampa is as entwined with the city’s history.”  “Columbia offers classics such as the “1905” Salad –450 are served daily; more than 164,000 annually – or chicken and yellow rice or snapper.  But The Columbia’s cuisine is diverse and can be described even as fusion because its home base in Ybor City has Spanish, Italian and Cuban roots.”

Nation’s Restaurant News says, “The Columbia is far from fading, with six other Florida locations in St. Armands Circle on Sarasota; Historic District of St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg; Sand Key in Clearwater Beach; Downtown Celebration; and The Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center in Channelside.”

And there you have it.  Not that you needed it, but here's another reason to get out and go eat dinner at the Columbia!  So have fun! 

And we'll see you back here for more news, as well as great things to do in Tampa Bay, cool Tampa Bay area events, and much much more. 
 

Travis back everyone!  the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of Tampa's best venues, and they have some great news.  That's right, they have announced their 2010-2011 Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series.  Here's the scoop -

It will be a dream season in 2010-2011 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.  Filled with Tony® Award-winners, audience favorites, stunning classics and amazing spectacle, the Straz Center’s 2010-2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is full of fun, passion and excitement.

Shows scheduled on the Broadway series include Billy Elliot, the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical; Hair, the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical Revival; the Tony Award-winning revival of West Side Story; the holiday spectacle of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and the family favorites Shrek the Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  The series also will include 9 to 5: The Musical, the Apollo Theater revival of Dreamgirls, a production of Forbidden Broadway, produced by the Straz Center, and the eagerly anticipated return of Jersey Boys.

The series is presented in the Straz Center’s acoustically perfect Carol Morsani Hall, the largest on the west coast of Florida, with more than 2,600 seats. Forbidden Broadway will run in the intimate 280-seat cabaret-style Jaeb Theater.

The 2010-2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season features:

9 to 5: The Musical
Oct. 19 – 24, 2010
9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton's original hit title song along with her new Tony Award- and Grammy®-nominated score.  The book is by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay) and Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Wicked) directs. 

Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights) provides the choreography. 9 to 5: The Musical tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do – even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business ... it’s about getting credit and getting even.

Forbidden Broadway
Oct. 26, 2010-Feb. 27, 2011
Forbidden Broadway is a cabaret revue sharply spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals. Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini and directed by Alessandrini and long-time collaborator Phillip George, the original version of the revue opened on Jan. 15, 1982, at Palsson’s Supper Club in New York City and ran for 2,332 performances.

It has been rewritten several times to include parodies of newer shows and has taken on many different incarnations including Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab, Forbidden Hollywood and Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit. Forbidden Broadway has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Les Misérables and notable Broadway personalities including Carol Channing, Kristin Chenoweth, Elton John, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Mary Martin, Idina Menzel, Ethel Merman, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Forbidden Broadway will play in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater.

Dreamgirls
Nov. 16 – 21, 2010
Catch the dream!  Direct from Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to the Straz Center featuring American Idol finalist and Sarasota native Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.

With music by Academy® Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Bye Bye Birdie Broadway revival) and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (television’s So You Think You Can Dance), along with some of Broadway’s top designers, re-envision this Tony- and Academy Award-winning musical so it sparkles like never before! 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2010
Get ready to discover a delightful new show that’s as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow! The classic holiday tradition White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a brand new Irving Berlin musical direct from Broadway.

Brimming with such Berlin hits as “Blue Skies,” “How Deep Is the Ocean?” and, of course, the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Jan. 18-23, 2011
“Tale as old as time, true as it can be.” Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming back to Tampa. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. 

Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Straz Center! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Billy Elliot the Musical
Feb. 2-18, 2011
Tampa is about to be electrified by Broadway’s “best musical of the decade” (Time Magazine). Thrilling audiences worldwide and winning 10 Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Musical, “the best show you will ever see” (New York Post) is coming to the Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall. Billy Elliot the Musical is a joyous celebration of one young boy’s triumph against the odds.

Called “the most inspiring show I’ve seen in years” by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, the story follows Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring into a ballet class and discovers his dream to dance.  Billy Elliot is brought to life by the Tony-winning creative team — director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall — along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “his best score yet!.”  Billy Elliot will enchant the dreamer in all of us. Contains adult language.

West Side Story
March 1-6, 2011
More than 50 years ago one musical changed theater forever.  Now it’s back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note of Leonard Bernstein’s score to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by Tony Award-winner Arthur Laurents, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever, transferring Romeo and Juliet to the streets of New York. “So exciting it makes you ache with pleasure.” – John Lahr, The New Yorker

Jersey Boys
March 23-April 17, 2011
Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its triumphant return to Tampa. Directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys won four 2006 Tony Awards including Best Musical and continues to set new weekly box office records at the August Wilson Theatre, where it has remained among the five top-grossing shows in New York since it opened. 

Jersey Boys is written by Academy® Award winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. Intended for mature audiences. Contains authentic Jersey language.

Shrek the Musical
May 3-8, 2011
Based on the popular Dreamworks film, Shrek the Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. You’ll be a believer after seeing this fun-filled fantasy.  Songs include “Make a Move” and “Big Bright Beautiful World.”

Hair
May 24-29, 2011
Winner! Best Musical Revival 2009 Tony Award! The Public Theater’s new Tony-winning production of Hair is the most electric celebration on Broadway! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Hair features an extraordinary cast and dozens of unforgettable songs, including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.”

Its relevance is undeniable. Its energy is unbridled. Its truth is unwavering. It's Hair, and it's time. “If this explosive production doesn’t stir something in you, it may be time to check your pulse.” (Variety) Intended for mature audiences: While many find this show suitable for young adults (13 and older), parental discretion is advised. There is a dimly lit 20-second scene with nudity that is non-sexual in nature.

The 2010–2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series is presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should call the Straz Center Ticket Office at 813.229.STAR (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at 800.955.1045 or visit www.strazcenter.org for more information.

Wow, I know that was a lot of information, but trust me, you'll want to head on to the website, or give a call, to get the rest of the details.  yOu can bet you'll see me at a few shows. 

Have fun everyone.  And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other great Tampa Bay area events.

Hi everyone!  Travis here again!  Seeing as how the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts has so much going on right now, I figured we could bring you more Tampa Bay area events happening out there.  So, here we go. 

Shomari McKenzie's A Journey Through US is playing at the Shimberg Playhouse (at the Center) on Dec. 19.  Here's some background on Shomari and the show: 

Shomari McKenzie was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. He has always been a history buff, which led him to look at different phases of time and write about it.

He has been performing on the east coast – storytelling and doing stand-up comedy about his personal experiences. McKenzie then decided the best person to bring his writings to life was himself.

In A Journey Through US, he examines many different characters – from slaves being brought from Africa, to notable people we have read about, to folks like those we see across the dinner table each night. It will make you think; it will make you laugh.

At the end of the evening, you will have had a lot of fun as well as a lot to talk about. McKenzie is excited to bring his one-man play to Tampa.  Oh, and it's recommended for ages 13 and older, and the running time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes! 

Regularly priced tickets start at $20, so again, a pretty good deal!  Head over to www.tbpac.org to order your tickets and get more info!  Have a great time! 

See you soon with more things to do in Tampa Bay for the holidays, and other amazing Tampa Bay entertainment options.

Hey everyone!  If you are a golf enthusiast, then I have some Tampa Bay entertainment news for you!  Tickets for the Transitions Championship, at lower prices for 2010, are now on sale at nearly 200 Florida Gulf Coast area Publix locations and through Ticketmaster. 

Tampa Bay's PGA TOUR event will be held March 15-21, 2010 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook (an absolutely amazing course). 

Good-Any-Day tickets which were $40 last year are $30 in advance this year, or $50 at the gate.  Weekly badges have been reduced to $79 from $99.  Oh, and children 17 and under are FREE! 

Retief Goosen and Sean O’Hair, both currently ranked in the top 20 in the world, were the last two winners of the Transitions Championship, which will again be nationally televised by NBC-TV!

And there's an even better deal...Publix Super Markets is also offering the popular Red Hot Holiday Special through the end of the year.  It features two Good-Any-One-Day tickets and a parking pass for $59.

But the deals just keep getting hotter!  The tournament is also offering the Copperhead Pack which includes the opportunity to play the tournament course any week of the year except during the Transitions Championship. 

A $500 value, it includes two rounds of golf on the Copperhead (Sun PM-Thurs) two Good-Any-One-Day tickets and a parking pass for just $199!  For more information on the Copperhead Pak, log on to http://www.transitionschampionship.com.

Tickets are on sale at the customer service counters at Publix Super Markets in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties, and at Publix stores in The Villages, without a service charge.

Tickets are also on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets (Ticketmaster service charges apply), through TransitionsChampionship.com or by calling 727-942-5566.

So, get ready to enjoy some amazing fun at this year's event.  And as always, keep checking back here for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay and info on other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey everyone!  I wanted to bring you some information about a special aspect of some cool Tampa Bay entertainment this weekend.  The ACC Championship is honor our nation's military heroes with the Wounded Warriors project.  Here's the scoop:

As a part of the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game, the Atlantic Coast Conference will honor two men who are part of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). 

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. It serves to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Wounded Warriors Greg Amira and Roberto Cruz will be honored during the pre-game coin toss.  Amira was wounded on Jan. 26, 2007 while on a patrol near the Iranian border and was awarded numerous medals. He’s a volunteer for the Wounded Warrior Project and a consultant on various other projects.

Cruz was shot by a sniper in Tikrit, Iraq on Aug. 14, 2005 and as a result of the gunshot wound, has a spinal cord injury

Here's some info about the Wounded Warrior Project:
Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  It serves to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.  For more information, please call (904) 296-7350 or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

I thought this was a very cool project, so I wanted to be sure to share it with all of you.  Ok, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and info on other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone...Travis here with a Tampa Bay film update.  You may see this on some other blogs (especially the film blog), but I thought I'd bring this to you as well. 

There is a major network TV Pilot being filmed in Tampa Bay, and they are seeking extras for the pilot.  The name of the pilot is "Sugarloaf" and they'll be shooting in the Tampa area the week of December 7-11. 

They are looking for men and women, mostly 18-40, although there are a few spots for kids and people over 40.  They are going to be filming beach bar scenes where they will need some jet skiers and volleyball players.

The beach scenes are Tuesday and Wednesday, where they will need people ages in their 20's-30's that are comfortable in their bathing suit all day.  And, they will need some golfers with their own golf gear.

They will also be using some cars ranging from pick ups to tricked out custom cars to just average everyday cars. Oh, and these roles do not require any experience!!!!!!  And...all positions are Paid!

If you are interested please send a recent photo, age and phone number to sugarloafextras@gmail.com. 

So, get e-mailing.  See everyone back here as we bring you more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some great Tampa Bay area events throughout December.  We are heading out to the Florida State Fairgrounds, and there's plenty of things to do in Tampa Bay! 

Today, I'm just bringing you the equestrian events, so horse lovers, listen up, because here we go: 

Dec. 3-5: City League International Show Jumping
The City League International Show Jumping event brings together world-class riders and horses competing in teams for substantial prize money.  Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena, the three day event will lead up to the Grand Prix 2009 Team Finals on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.

Casual dining and entertainment will be available starting at 6 p.m. prior to the Grand Prix. Dinner tickets are sold separately and require reservations.  There will be many vendors and Frisbee dogs available for half-time entertainment.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 15 and under. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance; parking is free for this event. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cityleagueinternational.com.  For more information, contact Anne Bingler at 828-863-4472 or e-mail cityshowjumping@yahoo.com. 

Dec. 3-6: CFHJA Horse Show
The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a four-day, USEF sanctioned horse show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Hunter and jumper competitions begin on Thursday and conclude on Sunday. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants.

Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://www.cfhja.com or call Dani Becker at 813-361-3783.

Dec. 12-13: SEHJ Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Covered Ring and West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day.

Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission.

Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469 prior to the event.                        

Dec. 12-13:  Tampa Trials
Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena and Pony Ring, this Arena Driving Trial (ADT) is a carriage driving event in which three phases of competition take place in an arena. It consists of dressage, cones, and hazards/obstacles.

The event begins on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with the dressage phase followed by cones. Sunday's events begin at 8:45 a.m. with hazard competitions. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants.

Parking and admission are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.cypresskeep.com/tampatrials or contact Erika Matulich at 813-982-2200.

Dec. 27, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010: Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show
America's prestigious Winter Quarter Horse Circuit takes place throughout the entire Bob Thomas Equestrian Center starting with the annual Florida Gold Coast Circuit.

This seven-day event attracts quarter horses, their owners, trainers and riders from across the country to compete in English, Western, Driving, Reining, and Trail classes. Show hours vary by day; entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants.

Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit www.fqha.net or contact Mike Morrissey at 561-793-4607.

So, get off that high horse (sorry, I had to do it), and head out to the Fairgrounds this month for some equestrian fun!!!! 

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events throughout the month!
 

hey everyone...Travis back with THE event to be at if you are going to enjoy the 2009 ACC Football Championship in Tampa Bay this weekend.  I mean, as far as Tampa Bay area events go, this is the one to be at. 

It's Channelside’s Toast to the Atlantic Coast, and it starts at 7pm on Friday night and is being held at Channelside Bay Plaza. 

The Toast to the Atlantic Coast is the biggest downtown party happening during Championship Weekend. The fun-filled the event will include school bands, cheerleaders and mascots, among other festivities. 

All ACC and college football fans are encouraged to come and partake in the fun and excitement.  Here's the great part...this event is FREE and open to the public!  How can you beat that???!!!  I mean...really! 

So, make your plans to come out and party with the cheerleaders, mascots, bands and fans for the ACC Championship.  It'll be the place to be in Tampa Bay on Friday night. 

If you want more info about the event or the championship, log on to www.theroadtotampabay.com.  and as always, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events surrounding the ACC Championship! 

Johnson claimed the award last year after the Yellow Jackets burst onto the scene and ran his prolific option-based offense in what I can only describe as a clinical faashion. They even managed to one-up themselves this year by winning the Coastal Division for the first time since 2006, claiming a spot in the league title game and vaulting into the top 10.

They kicked some tail this year on offense while on their way to a 10-2 overall record amongst some other pretty impressive accolades:

• Led the ACC in scoring (35 points per game)
• Total offense (440.5 ypg),
• Rushing offense (305 ypg)
• Pass efficiency (160.7 rating)

Hey gang...Travis back!  With the 48-hour celebration of ACC football this weekend, it’s time to start planning out your ACC Championship itinerary.  Just some of the highlights of the weekend’s festivities include:

Friday, Dec. 4
12 p.m.
ACC Coaches & Awards Luncheon at the Tampa Convention Center
The 2009 ACC Football awards will be presented at this luncheon. Head Coaches Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech will be present to discuss their team’s seasons and participate in the festivities. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 813-218-3814. 

Friday, Dec. 4
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Channelside Community Outreach – Mascot and Children’s Bowling Championship at Splitsville at Channelside Bay Plaza
The ACC is teaming up with the Children’s Cancer Center to treat some of the cancer patients to a fun-filled afternoon at Splitsville at Channelside Bay Plaza.  The kids will enjoy food and drinks, as well as a round of bowling with the mascots and cheerleaders from all 12 ACC institutions.  The event is closed to the public

Friday, Dec. 4
7 p.m.
ACC Night of Legends at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Presented by the Florida Sports Foundation, the ACC Night of Legends embodies the true spirit of ACC football by honoring outstanding legends from each ACC institution. The event will provide the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in college football. 

Legends include Heisman Trophy winners Chris Weinke (Florida State) and Vinny Testaverde (Miami), as well as Danny Ford (Clemson), Mike Mayock (Boston College), Danny Ford (Clemson), Bob Pascal (Duke), Eddie Lee Ivery (Georgia Tech), Kevin Glover (Maryland), Kelvin Bryant (North Carolina), Willie Burden (NC State), Jim Bakhtiar (Virginia), Bob Schweickert (Virginia Tech) and Bill Barnes (Wake Forest). 

Attendees will also hear a performance by contemporary jazz composer Eric Darius.  Limited tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 813-218-3814.

Friday, Dec. 4
7 p.m.
Channelside’s Toast to the Atlantic Coast at Channelside Bay Plaza
The Toast to the Atlantic Coast is the biggest downtown party happening during Championship Weekend. The fun-filled the event will include school bands, cheerleaders and mascots, among other festivities.  All ACC and college football fans are encouraged to come and partake in the fun and excitement.  This event is FREE and open to the public. 

Saturday, Dec. 5
5 p.m.
ACC FanFestat Raymond James Stadium - Lot 6D
ACC FanFest is the biggest party during the 48-hour celebration of ACC football. There will be over 200,000 square feet of interactive games, clinics, team mascots, pep rallies, food and beverage, autograph signings, game merchandise, jumbotrons and general family fun.

Country music star James Otto will perform a pre-game concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  This event is FREE to all ticketholders. 

Saturday, Dec. 5
5 p.m.
ACC Youth Football and Cheerleading Celebration at Raymond James Stadium - Lot 6D
Starting just hours before kickoff and concluding with the final whistle of the Championship Game, 6,000 youth and their families will take place in this celebration, which will incorporate a tremendous lineup of FanFest festivities, including games, music, prizes, the Under Armour Football Combine and much more.  Meanwhile, youth cheerleaders will learn new dances, cheers, and motions from ACC cheerleaders who will also sign autographs and take pictures.

The Celebration continues inside Raymond James Stadium where the north and south end zones will be packed with Youth Celebration participants during the pre-game Salute to Youth Football.  The Youth Celebration participants will then sit back and watch (most for the first time) the pageantry, camaraderie, competition and sportsmanship of ACC Football.
 
Saturday, Dec. 5
5:15 p.m.
ACC Mascots Game at ACC FanFest (Raymond James Stadium – Lot 6D)
Following the Pep Rallies for Georgia Tech and Clemson, attendees will witness one of the marquee events during the 48-hour ACC celebration.  The ACC Mascots Game brings mascots from all 12 schools together for hard- (or soft-) hitting fun.  It all takes place in the FanFest area, in Lot 6D of Raymond James Stadium.

Saturday, Dec. 5
5:45 p.m.
Clemson Tigers Pep Rally at ACC FanFest (Raymond James Stadium – Lot 6D)
Clemson Tigers football fans can come out and help root their team on to victory during the Atlantic Division Pep Rally, held in the 200,000-square-foot FanFest area, on the south side of Raymond James Stadium.  This event is open to all ticketholders. 

Saturday, Dec. 5
6:15 p.m.
Georgia Tech Pep Rally at ACC FanFest (Raymond James Stadium – Lot 6D)
Immediately following the Clemson Pep Rally, fans can come out and help root the Georgia Tech football team on to victory during the Coastal Division Pep Rally.  This will also be held in the 200,000-square-foot FanFest area, on the south side of Raymond James Stadium.  This event is open to all ticketholders. 

Saturday, Dec. 5
8 p.m.
2009 Dr Pepper ACC Championship Game Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium
Enjoy the hard-hitting action that the 2009 ACC Championship Game will provide.  Watch as Clemson and Georgia Tech battle to see who the best in the ACC really is! 

And there you have it!  Make sure you log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com to get more info...and to get your tickets to the Championship and the rest of the Tampa Bay area events! 

and keep checking back here as we bring you all of the ACC Championship updates, as well as info on other great things to do in Tampa Bay!