So, five BIG EAST men’s soccer teams are heading to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship this year. Can you guess who my favorite is?

The USF Bulls of course! Sunday afternoon the USF men’s soccer team beat St. John’s,  1-0, in overtime. This is USF’s first BIG EAST Championship title in the program history. The win also grabbed the league’s automatic bid into the national tournament. USF (14-4-2) advances to the NCAA Championship for the third time in four years as a BIG EAST member.

Make sure to root for our local student athletes this weekend. The first round games will take place on Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22.

Go Bulls!

Are you ready for some USL SoccerFest!  November 20-25^th marks this year’s third annual USL Soccer Fest in Tampa.  This annual event is hosted together by USL and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.  This year’s annual event consists of a five day Super Y-League North American Finals, a five-a-side frenzy, a three day USL Annual General Meeting and various festivities throughout. 

Soccer matches will be played at Ed Radice Sports Complex along with the Land O’Lakes Recreation Center.  Watch as over 130 youth soccer teams from North America battle it out for their chance at a league championship. 

The USL Annual General Meeting is a three day meeting which will be held at the host hotel in the Grand Hyatt.  This meeting consists of over 300 plus soccer coaches, franchises, and team owners discussing important issues facing the USL community.  During the AGM, there will also be numerous seminars and expos on how to improve and build up individual USL organizations.

Another great example of a  great sports event here in the bay area!  Be sure to check out all the games and  enjoy Tampa Bay in your downtime!

Whew? Is everyone as whipped as I am? Things are starting to get busy around here, thanks in part to the beautiful weather and of course, to the 2009 Super Bowl which is now just weeks away!

We've hosted a number of productions in the market recently including a PSA for Metropolitan Ministries, a catalog and online shoot for Delia's, a commercial for Bright House Networks, a documentary shoot for The Discovery Channel. Coming up this week we've got Goodyear Tires, Nike Canada, and a commercial spot for Everest University.

And lately we've seen a dramatic increase in student film projects, compliments of the University of Tampa's Film and Media Arts program.

Hope to see you at tonight's Tampa Film Review. Don't forget they've moved to a new location -

Romeo’s Art Gallery
1515 E. 7th Ave
Ybor City

Oh and is everyone watching Rookies? I've DVR'd every episode but can't bring myself to watch them. Next episode featuring Tampa Police Department's finest airs on Tuesday at 10pm on A&E.

Want to see the next major wrestling Superstar before anybody else? For almost 5 years, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) has been the spot to get your live wrestling fix in Tampa Bay. Now, FCW is officially sanctioned and recently reorganized by WWE, making it the arena where tomorrow’s WWE Superstars are trained.

Past FCW talent includes: Mike Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, Gerry Brisco, Steve Keirn, Barry Windham, Kevin Sullivan, Dick Slater and more. With 60 different talents from 14 different countries, the shows will have you on the edge of your seat cheering! Also, fans can expect WWE Superstars to make regular guest appearances on FCW programming and live events.

Every Thursday night the arena will host a Wrestling Extravaganza and everyone is invited. The wrestling matches will also be aired on Brighthouse Sports Network on Thursday at 11:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:00 pm. so you don’t ever have to miss a match!

So what are you waiting for? Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. Check out the WWE Superstars of tomorrow ringside, tomorrow night!

As we get ever so closer to the ACC Football Championship, those guys over at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission always manage to think up something new and creative. Leave it to me to find a fun game to play that will keep your attention for hours when you should be working...shame on you! Technically this is work for me so its no big deal.

The game doesn't really have a title so we will just refer to it as ACC Football Game...catchy title right! Cool, game with a simple concept...just don't get tackled and make it to the end zone. Its pretty tricky though as the guys chasing after you are allot quicker than they let on to be.

The high score to beat is 267 yards at the moment and I can't seem to get over 132, so I challenge you all to beat that score! If you beat the high score then you can submit your info and be eligible for prizes.

Don't get too excited though as I have been playing for about a half hour now and can't seem to win anything! So hop on and prove you are better than jerm at this! Let me know what your high score ends up being.

p.s. Big shout out to the guys at Performix Marketing for putting such a sweet game together!

If you have some time this afternoon, stop by the USF Recreation Center where an event called Hoops of Hope will be taking place. This event is a part national movement where participants shoot basketball free throws in an effort to help children orphaned by AIDS. 

Hoops of Hope was started four years ago by Austin Gutwein who shot 2,057 free throws on World AIDS Day to represent the number of children who are orphaned daily from parents who die of AIDS. Oh, and did I mention that he was 10-year-old at the time? Since then, he has been traveling the country to inspire people to participate.

If you want to help support the cause, you can register at the door. The program will go on from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. tonight.

Have you ever wanted to climb a frozen, vertical waterfall, or maybe surf down a building size water-wall? Unless you are a professional you probably shouldn’t attempt these activities, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience them. Extreme is making its way to MOSI’s IMAX Dome Theatre on November 14.

Extreme is a documentary was filmed using IMAX cameras and trails adventurist athletes as they surf, windsurf, ski, snowboard, rockclimb and iceclimb. The action packed documentary also has an original music soundtrack.

On opening night, MOSI will have local adventure enthusiasts at the theatre from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm to talk about what fuels their passion for adventure. MOSI is home to the only IMAX Dome Theatre in the state of Florida making it one of the premier Tampa Florida attractions. So make sure you stop by and check out the newest Extreme experience at MOSI's IMAX Dome Theatre for the latest in Tampa Bay entertainment!

It’s official – the coolest way to tour Tampa’s downtown waterfront has taken off and is full-speed ahead!  Whether you are a visitor or a resident, you’ll want to hop on your “Segway Personal Transporter,” which weighs 105 pounds, rolls on 19-inch tires, zips down the sidewalk at a maximum 12 miles per hour, and travels 24 miles between plug-in recharges. 

Chances are that you have already seen this small fleet of upright Segways zipping through Cotanchobee Park or gliding silently along the Bayshore Boulevard sidewalk.  The company responsible – Magic Carpet Glide Tours, which opened in early October.  Now I know what you are asking yourselves…what route do you take? 

Well, from Channelside, tours pass by the St. Pete Times Forum, follow the Tampa Riverwalk, pass around the Tampa Convention Center, and then move to Bayshore Boulevard, passing by Tampa’s famous Gasparilla ship, the Jose Gaspar.  Tours continue onto Davis Islands, where riders can enjoy a lovely view of downtown Tampa from a different vantage point.  From there, riders Segway over to Harbour Island, and then back to the starting point at Channelside.

And the cost is pretty good too.  Tours cost $50 per person for 90 minutes.  Tour times are 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 5:30pm.  For more information or to make a reservation you can call Magic Carpet Glide at 813-380-1916.  You can even visit their website – www.magiccarpetglide.com.

Take a ride and let us know what you think…inquiring minds want to know! 

Until next time, keep checking back here to see the latest Tampa Bay area events, updates on Tampa Bay Tours, and what's new on the Tampa Bay sports scene, the hottest updates from venues from Ybor City to the Westshore plaza, and so much more. 

Firstly, Kudos to fellow blogger 'Jerm' for the title on this one.

Now the christening of the Title by Jerm was preceded by a little info on
an event in Tampa Bay the likes of which I’ve only rarely come across, and no, it’s not just a light show. It’s a huge compilation of award winning artists, and art installations that emphasize technology and education, from all over the world. This is a biennial event and this time around it starts on January 10th, 2009, and goes on till February 2nd, 2009, charging up Super Bowl fans.

The installation locations include, “The Tampa Convention Center and Riverwalk, USF Park, Cotanchobee Park, and Fort Brooke Parking Garage. Community members, and visitors will celebrate the opening of Lights On Tampa 2009 through a pedestrian-friendly public event in order to experience each of the destinations.” The show is dedicated to giving everyone a “multi-sensory experience” with interactive experiences including ‘Shared Virtual Experiences’ like a Cell-phone engagement and podcasts.If your looking for some quick general info, go to www.lightsontampa.org.

Come January, I predict a possible overall rise in blood-pressure around Tampa, with footballs fans practically foaming at the mouth, men giving coats to shivering women, and of course breaking of New Year resolutions! Well no matter what your condition or schedule, make sure you check out every single exhibit at Lights on Tampa Bay.

Mark your calendar and put your mothers’ picture next to it, cus this baby is not gonna be delivered again for another two years. So I, will see you there!

Want to check out tonight’s Bulls game against Cincinnati but don’t want to stay at home? Head over to USF’s Sun Dome Arena for Bulls Frenzy II, a free watch party. The Bulls need to kick some Bearcat butt tonight in order to stay in the Big East Conference, so this game is going to be intense.

Join the sea of green-clad USF student to cheer on the hometown team in a great party atmosphere. Above and beyond watching the nationally televised game via big screen, the 2008 – 2009 men’s and women’s basketball teams will be introduced to the crowd. During the Bull Frenzy there will also be interactive games on the basketball court with both teams and the students as well as free t-shirts and other giveaways.

The free event is open to the general public. The game will start at 7:30 pm, but doors open at 6:30 pm so make sure you get there early! Wear green and cheer loud! Afterwards, come back and tell me what you thought of the Bulls and the Bearcats.

Go Bulls!

One of the perks of my job is that I get to experience different restaurants and attractions first-hand in order to know the product that we promote in our community and also write about it in our sales blog and quarterly newsletter. Yesterday I got to experience something that was completely different than anything I had done with the company so far... I went on a water adventure ride!

Tampa Bay&Company staff members were invited to get an exclusive look at a brand new attraction that is now being offered to individuals and groups alike. I was one of the 15 staff members that was brave enough to face this powerful creature on the water. And I was happy that I did.

White Lightning, a new thrill ride in the form of a 1200-horse-power jet boat, is docked at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel in downtown. This boat can seat up to 42 people and is also available for charters. It would be perfect to charter a boat for a small group of attendees that want to get a unique view of the city. You get a fantastic view of downtown Tampa, the Bay, Harbour Island, the St. Pete Times Forum and much more. And it wouldn't be right to not mention how they blasted AC/DC and Bob Marley to set the mood on the way out to the open water.

I can definitely say without a doubt that this attraction is one that you cannot miss. I'm glad I took one for the team, now it's YOUR turn!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. Make sure to ask questions or make comments as you see fit. And make sure to keep coming back for more Tampa Bay meetings info!

"We are confident. We like to go into every game thinking that we can win,” said Tampa Bay Rays outfielder B.J. Upton. That’s the spirit boys!

The final score of Game 2 of the World Series was 4-2 and the plays were all over the board: grounders from Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria in the first, an RBI single from Upton in the second and a safety squeeze from Jason Bartlett in the fourth. It was teamwork at its finest at Tropicana Field yesterday night.

Yet, despite the 180˚ turn the Tampa Bay Rays have made this season, there are still some baseball fans out there that are unsure of our teams’ merit. In today’s newspaper, the New York Times posed the question “Was it the skill of the Rays’ pitchers or the flop of the Phillies’ hitters that tied up the World Series, one game apiece?” Whatever it was (I’m leaning towards skill, but that’s just me), let’s try and do it again.

After a disappointing Game 1 loss and an exciting and well-deserved Game 2 win, the Rays are en route to Philadelphia where ALCS MVP Matt Garza is scheduled to pitch in Game 3 tomorrow night. Make sure you tune in to cheer on the home team.

Go Rays!!!

It’s time to start checking days off on your calendar. Only 100 more days until game time with the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay! There is going to be so much happening!

Just last week, the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, was in town for the Super Bowl Host Committee Luncheon. Everyone is expecting about 100,000 to come to Tampa Bay to cheer on their favorite team. Raymond James Stadium holds about 72,500 people, but everyone in Tampa Bay will be watching this game.

Don’t stay home and watch the game by yourself! Come on down, and join us for the party (make sure you grab a seat at a sports bar early). Also, don’t wait until the last minute to book your flight and hotel. There are a ton of hotels in Tampa Bay but if you start planning your Super Bowl party early, all you’ll have to worry about come February 1 is getting a new jersey, a cold beer and some spicy wings.

Also, keep checking back to the host committee website for the latest Super Bowl XLIII updates and things to do in Tampa Bay while you're down here.

In case you haven't heard already... THE RAYS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Sorry for the caps, I'm just so totally surprised and excited for our very own Rays baseball team! They beat the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, October 19, in the final playoff game at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. I'm not the biggest baseball fan by any means, but I cannot ignore the fact that this was totally unexpected.

The Rays will play their first World Series games against the Phillies tonight at the Trop, and will need to win four out of the seven games in order to win the World Series.

So you might be wondering what this has to do with Tampa Bay Conventions. The truth is, not very much. But Tampa will definitely see a jump in the economy by the end of the seven games. There will most definitely be lots of Phillies fans traveling down to cheer on their team, more people eating out and watching the games at local bars and restaurants, and quite possibly even a boost in retail sales since people are so happy about their baseball team making it this far. Okay, that last one might be stretching it a little, but you just never know...

Once again, Tampa Bay has been put on the map for major sporting events. Tampa will play host to four out of the seven World Series games (if all seven are played) and will also host Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2009. It's a big year in sports for Tampa Bay. And it just shows that our city is ready and willing to host any event, from the smallest board meeting to the largest sporting events of the year.

GO RAYS!!!! :)

So if you are as amped up about tonight's Game 1, as I am then you are already making plans about where to go and watch the game, if you couldn't get a ticket. I've done my homework and wanted to try and point out a few bars and such for everyone to go out and support the Rays tonight as Kazmir takes the mound to shut out the Phillies tonight! 

So many places to choose from, but I have complied my list of favorite places to hang out as well as a few that were reccomended to me.  Game starts tonight at 8 p.m. so you better have your bottom planted in a bar stool at one of these places with a blue mohawk and the biggest cowbell you can find! I need more cowbell baby!

• Macdinton's Irish Pub - Irish pub and restaurant with delicious food and friendly Irish staff. Happy hour (2 for 1) 11:30am-7pm every day but Friday. Friday 6pm-8pm, $10 ALL YOU CAN DRINK. Patio, big screen TV, darts, pool, golf, ample parking and specials every night.
• Rock-n-Sports Bar & Grille - Upscale sports bar and grille located in Centro Ybor. Outside seating available, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner specialties: ribs, seafood, burgers, wings and 25 draft beers. Private catering available for meetings, parties and sports events.
• Champps Americana -Champps is a unique, upscale casual dining and socializing experience. We differentiate ourselves by offering a fun, upbeat environment, a wide variety of food prepared from scratch and access to international, national, and local sporting events via state-of-the-art audio visual equipment.
• Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill - Ferg’s is the ultimate spot to watch the Rays because of how close it is to Tropicana Field. You get to enjoy the same atmosphere before and after the game as all the people with tickets but you get the benefit of all the camera angles and replays on TV during this big series. No matter when you show up, Ferg’s is the place to be before, during, and after each Rays game. 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 822-4562, fergsonline.com.
• Champion’s Sports Bar (Marriott Waterside) -Root for your team in front of the big screen TV while you enjoy light fare and your favorite beverages. Champions is casual, so you don't have to "dress up to dress out." Located across the street from the St. Pete Times Forum. Meet your friends before hockey games and events!
• The Press Box - The “Box” as the locals call it has just recently upgraded all the big screens in their establishment making it one of the best places to actually sit down and really enjoy the game. Just ask any Buccaneers fan and they will tell you that the Box has got a very friendly staff and the wings speak for themselves.  I would recommend The Press Box any day of the week to anyone that likes sports. 222 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. (813) 876-3528, .
• GameWorks - GameWorks is a casual dining experience that features entertainment guests cannot duplicate at home.
• Giordano's - Pioneer of the famous Chicago stuffed and equally renowned thin-crust pizza. Pastas, soups, sandwiches, assorted fresh salads and desserts. With several locations in Florida to serve you, we are open for lunch and dinner with a full service bar. Dine-in, carry out, delivery and catering available.
• Green Iguana Ybor City -Voted Tampa Bay's Best Bar & Ybor's Best Club. Unique restaurant with Florida/ Caribbean style menu. Open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner & late night menu items. Catering on/off site. Live entertainment nightly. Never a cover. Sidewalk cafe available. Private banquet room also available.
• Splitsville - Bowling, billiards and dinner lounge featuring gourmet appetizers, sushi, and classic retro entrees.
• The Rec Room - Rounding out my short list is The Rec Room, a new sports bar located in BayWalk in downtown St. Pete. I have heard a lot about the Rays watch parties that have been going on throughout the playoffs, so I would expect this place to be jumping come World Series time. You can watch the game on any one of the 11 plasma screens and enjoy the company of many other local Rays fans. 121 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-4413.

So get out there and enjoy all the food fun, and what I am sure will be numerous drink specials as our Rays, hope to get the series off toa  good start tonight!

Welcome back Phillies Phans!  I hear you like to be called Phans so I will be accommodating cause while we are excited to have you guys here, but hopefully by the time you leave we will be up 2-0!  HAHAHA, you know I had to say it, but its all in the sport of competition.

If you are scrambling now and trying to make those last minute arrangements, let ol Jerm help you out in that department.  Come to our website and check out the Phillies Phans, or just visit www.VisitTampaBay.com/WorldSeries page I created just for my northern peeps!  Here you can get all the info you need with regards to "Phanning" it up here in the Bay area with everything that there is to do. 

Before you even get here check out the site anyhow and take care of your airfare, hotel, and downtown when your not at the game or one of our numerous bars checking out the game!

Keep checking the blogs here as we will keep posting about places to watch the game as well as the beautiful weather and how you can take time out to enjoy our many attractions! 

As usual if you want to ask me a question or or make a game prediction, then I am game, but until then safe travels down and good luck!

TAMPA BAY SPORTS ALERT!  How's this for Tampa Bay entertainment...Baseball fans will want to make their way to downtown Tampa tomorrow to see, and yes visit with, the 2008 World Series Championship Trophy.  Here’s the letter, straight from the City of Tampa Mayor’s office –

“Fans will have an opportunity to experience the excitement of the postseason with a special viewing of the 2008 World Series Trophy at Tampa City Hall Plaza, located at 306 E. Jackson Street. Mayor Pam Iorio will address attendees at 10 a.m. and then fans will be able to see and take photos with the Trophy.”

So, if you are looking for things to do in Tampa Bay, all while supporting your hometown team, then take an extra long lunch break tomorrow and come celebrate a pending victory for the Tampa Bay Rays with the City of Tampa.  And, don't forget to drop back here for more updates about the Tampa Bay Rays activities. 

See you there…and GO RAYS!

Top of the morning to all my Tampa Bay Sports fans! What an exciting sports week its been here in the Bay area lately, and I got more good news a comin!  The U.S. Women’s national soccer team will take on South Korea in an exhibition match at Raymond James Stadium, November 8th.

Coming off a Gold medal performance at the Beijing Olympics this summer the squad is now embarking on an “Achieve Your Gold Tour” across the country to celebrate.  This will be the U.S. Women’s first appearance in Tampa since 1999 and their first ever at Raymond James Stadium.  Come see the star-filled gold medalists as they try to continue their tour’s undefeated streak alive.  Tickets are on sale to the public at ussoccer.com, by phone at 813-287-8844 and at all area Ticketmaster outlets.  The team roster includes:

UNITED STATES WOMEN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS (3): Nicole Barnhart (Bay Area), Hope Solo (St. Louis), Briana Scurry (Dayton, Minn.)

DEFENDERS (8): Rachel Buehler (Bay Area), Lori Chalupny (St. Louis), Stephanie Cox (Los Angeles), Marian Dalmy (Chicago Red Stars), Tina Ellertson (St. Louis), Kate Markgraf (Chicago Red Stars), Heather Mitts (Boston Breakers), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles), Carli Lloyd (Chicago Red Stars), Heather O'Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Lindsay Tarpley (Chicago Red Stars), Aly Wagner (Los Angeles), Kacey White (Sky Blue FC)

FORWARDS (2): Angela Hucles (Boston Breakers/Virginia Beach, Va.), Natasha Kai (Sky Blue FC)

This is a pretty stacked roster as always for the US team. Who is your favorite US  player?  Let me know as I am a big Hope Solo fan myself!

Josh Jones signing off!

Every month, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission e-newsletter gives readers the scoop on past and upcoming sporting events in and around the Tampa Bay area. 
               
Click here to check out October’s featured stories.  
               
In this month’s edition you will find breaking news stories on:

• 2009 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament coming to the St Pete Times Forum.  

• Tampa Bay as a finalist to host one of the 2012-2016 Women’s Final Fours and the economic impact on the community from the 2008 Women’s Final Four.

• The 2008 USL SoccerFest and the success of the USL W-League Combine

• The new proposal for the $50 million Hillsborough County sports complex

• Success of RedBull Flugtag

• Highlights from the FSWA Media Days

• USSSA Girls Basketball National Championships

• NSA Youth B State Championship

Also included in the newsletter are upcoming volunteer opportunities and special information about the 2008 ACC Football Championship coming to Tampa on December 6th!  Click here  to subscribe and get the scoop for yourself.

Usually the buzz around town time this time of year is for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and rightfully so. But for the first time in team history the Tampa Bay Rays have made it to the World Series! Needless to say, it’s not surprising that there will be a huge party tonight for the Rays at the St. Petersburg Pier from 5:30 p.m. to about 9.

The free fan rally will have plenty of entertainment from a live band, to video games, and even face painters. But for all of you die-hard Rays fans that haven’t had the courage to support your team via your hair-do; tonight is the night! There will be a place to get your very own Rayhawk tonight at the rally, giving you another thing in common with your favorite players like Evan Longoria, and BJ Upton.

The weather has been great here lately so come early and make a night out of it as all of the local bars and restaurants will be open for business. Parking is limited at Pier lots and additional parking is located throughout downtown and the BayWalk parking garage.

Come out and celebrate the RAYS and visit the Tampa Bay&Company website for more game info as we receive it!!!