Cigar Heritage Festival 2009 Happens Tomorrow

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some Tampa Bay entertainment in one of my favorite areas of Tampa Bay...historic Ybor City! 

Anyone and everyone can come join the fun and ambiance of Ybor City for a day of activities celebrating the rich cigar heritage that once made Tampa the "Cigar Capital of the World."

Join thousands of cigar enthusiasts at the 11th annual Cigar Heritage Festival!  You can see master cigar makers Wallace and Margarita Reyes attempt to break the record for "World's Longest Cigar."

The current US Record Holder was in 2006...which was 30.78 meters.  I mean, how cool would that be??!! 

Plus, you can shop the World's Finest Cigars, including Cuesta Rey, Arturo Fuente, Rocky Patel, Camacho, 601, and many more!

Also, there'll be a Kid Zone, Food Court, Cigar Accessories, Tours of the Ybor City Museum State Park, Cigar Rolling, Live Entertainment, Charity Beer Garden, Authentic Cultural Food Vendors, Cultural Activities For The Whole Family, the Ybor City Fresh Market, and the list just keeps going! 

And for all of you sports fans, they have you covered too, because there'll be a Game Zone featuring NCAA Football, Poker, Dominos, & More! 

It all happens in CENTENNIAL PARK in YBOR CITY (on 9th Ave. between 18th and 19th Streets).  It's tomorrow from 10am to 5pm, so make plans to stop by during the day!  You can bet you'll see me out there. 

Have a great time everyone!  And keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

The Suncoast Sports Festival: “Where All Athletes Come To Play”

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone, Ece Yilmaz here with upcoming exciting sports news that you don’t wanna miss. The Suncoast Sports Festival will be hosting sports at three different locations in Tampa January 23-24, 2010!!!

Come join our nation’s best athletes from fourteen exciting sports, as they compete against each other at the Suncoast Sports Festival in Florida State Fairgrounds, University of South Florida and Ed Radice Sports Complex. Here is more info:

FLORIDA STATE FAIR GROUNDS
Come to the Florida Fairgrounds arenas (Expo Hall and Entertainment Hall) for girls and boys AAU and USAG gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, tae kwon do, baton, spirit cheerleading, spirit dance, Florida amateur wrestling, and cross country  events. 

Participating Sports:

January 23, Saturday: Girls Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Tramp and Tumbling, TaeKwon Do, Karate, Cheerleading, Dance

January 24, Sunday: Girls Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Tramp and Tumbling, Boys Gymnastics, Wrestling, Baton

Admissions:
Daily: $12 per adult, $8 for children (5-17), under 5 is free
Weekend: $17 per adult, $13 for children (5-17), under 5 is free
Parking: There will be a nominal fee for parking.


THE ED RADICE SPORTS COMPLEX
Hey baseball fans! In case you're not aware, The Ed Radice Sports Complex is hosting the IBC baseball events for The Suncoast Sports Festival.  Looks like it is going to be very exciting, so get your tickets now!

Participating Sports:

January 23-24, Saturday & Sunday: Baseball

Admissions: 
Daily: $5 per day, Children under 5 is free


UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
University of South Florida will be home for synchronized swimming and basketball events of The Suncoast Sports Festival.  If you are looking for an amazing swimming show, don’t wait so long to buy your tickets!

Admissions: 
Daily: $8 per adult, $5 for children (5-17), under 5 is free
Weekend: $10 per adult, $7 for children (5-17), under 5 is free

Participating Sports:
January 23, Saturday: Basketball, Synchronized Swimming
January 24, Sunday: Basketball, Synchronized Swimming

If you don’t wanna miss all the action, there is also grand slam package for all sporting events:
$25 per person for all sporting events for adults,
$17 per person for all sporting events for children.

Enjoy the ultimate sports event in Central Florida!!! It is also Florida’s number one spot for all of the athletes in your family. Bring the whole family and enjoy everything that the SSF can offer you.  You can find more information and details about the festival at: www.allsportsinvitational.com.

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa bay! 
 

USF Men's Soccer First NCAA Playoffs This Thursday at 7:30 pm...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Your USF men's soccer team returns to the USF Soccer Stadium this Thursday, Nov. 19th, to compete against Stetson Hatters in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CFor those of you who are unable to physically be at the game, feel free to catch all of the thrilling action by logging onto BullsVision Premium via GoUSFBulls.com for live audio streaming beginning with kickoff.

Now of course in addition to the thrill of college soccer, The University of South Florida athletics department has reserved 500 free student tickets to the men's soccer game on for this game.

The winner of this game doesnt have an easy road ahead though as whoever comes out victorius will have to play the undefeated, untied Akron Zips in secound round play. The Zips are currently ranked number one in the country and will host the next game at their stadium, and I am sure its a wee bit chilly up there!

Earlier in the season, the Bulls defeated Stetson by a scoreline of 3-0, so the odds would be in favor of USF, but thats why they play the game, because you just never know!

Be sure to come out and support the Bulls tomorrow and for more info on USF Athletics visit the GoUSFBulls.com website!

Thats all for now, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports and updates on more college athletics related Tampa Bay Area events.

2009 NCAA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Josh Jones
Josh Jones here with another December event update!  We are officially one month away from the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball National Championship!

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship is headed to the Sunshine State December 17 & 19, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida and Tickets are on sale now!

Will # 1 Penn State continue their 92 game unbeaten streak and repeat as National Championships?  Can the # 13 Florida Gators or # 15 Florida State Seminoles make a run at the title?  Will you be there to catch all the action?

AVCA Division I Women's Top 25 Poll
(Records through November 15, 2009)
    TEAM                                   PTS   PVS
    ----                                   ---   ---
 1. PENN ST (60) (28-0)          1,500     1
 2. TEXAS (20-1)                     1,425     2
 3. HAWAII (25-2)                   1,390     3
 4. WASHINGTON (21-4)         1,265     4
 5. ILLINOIS (21-4)                 1,219     5
 6. STANFORD (18-7)               1,168     7
 7. UCLA (20-7)                       1,127     6
 8. IOWA ST (22-4)                  1,116     8
 9. NEBRASKA (19-6)                1,024     9
10. KENTUCKY (25-2)                  936    11
11. CALIFORNIA (17-8)               878    12
12. MINNESOTA (21-7)                831    13
13. FLORIDA (20-4)                     733    10
14. MICHIGAN (22-7)                   663    14
15. (tie) FLORIDA ST (25-2)         642    15
15. (tie) USC (17-9)                     642    17
17. LSU (21-5)                             558    19
18. OREGON (16-8)                     486    16
19. ARIZONA (18-7)                     469    18
20. SAINT LOUIS (22-6)                294    20
21. NORTHERN IOWA (26-2)         241    22
22. SAINT MARYS CA (19-4)           223    23
23. NOTRE DAME (20-4)                163    24
24. BAYLOR (21-7)                        99    21
25. COLORADO ST (21-7)              91    NR

Fans can purchase all session tickets to this year’s championships for $60.00 by clicking here, calling 813-301-2500 or by logging on to www.sptimesforum.com.

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to http://www.ncaa.com/sports/w-volley/champpage/w-volley-div1-index.html!

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

# 7 GEORGIA TECH TO PLAY IN ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Josh Jones
The # 7 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-1) have won the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference and will contest against the Atlantic Division Champion at the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship taking place December 5 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Shaping up for a race to the finish in the Atlantic Division are the Clemson Tigers and the Boston College Eagles!  Clemson can clinch a spot in the title game with a win this weekend or a Boston College loss.  Boston College can clinch with a Clemson loss and two more wins in their season. 

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

Georgia Tech's last ACC title was a share in 1998. The Jackets won it outright in 1990, the same year they won the national title. Their last trip to the ACC title game was in 2006. This 2009 Georgia Tech team, though, is viewed by many as the best it's been in a long time.

Clemson’s last ACC title was in 1991 and has never been to the ACC Championship since its existence.

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!

Go Spartan Volleyball Go!

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Now you know that being a University of Tampa Alumnus, I am looking for any and every opportunity to promote UT Athletics!

I must admit, that this recognition is long overdue though for our Women's Volleyball team as they have had yet another phenomenal season!

Our girls, at (28-2) are set to make their 14th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 25th overall trip in 30 seasons. The Spartans are coming off of their fifth consecutive Sunshine State Conference title to give the program 19 overall.

UT will play host to Albany State in Thursday's opening round in the 7:30 p.m. match. The winner of the South Regional will advance to the NCAA Elite Eight which will be held at a campus site to be determined.

Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $10 (adults) and $6 (students with ID/senior citizens). Children under the age of five shall be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Go out and support my Spartans as they look to bring home another national Championship trophy!

Thats all for now, but stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports updates from Jerm and your Tampa Bay team! 

MOSI is Catapulting Turkeys for Holiday Camp!

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

hey everyone!  Travis back with some really fun Tampa Bay entertainment for the holidays!  We are heading to the USF area to have some fun with one of the best Tampa Florida attractions around...MOSI! 

This Thanksgiving Break, MOSI will be offering “Camp Turkey,” which is a unique approach to learning about traditional Thanksgiving foods.

Campers will work in MOSI’s lab and experiment on classic Thanksgiving dinner items by freezing them and finding out what makes them taste the way they do.

Campers will also explore the way Native Americans prospered by making artifacts and crafts and learning hunting techniques.

Here's the REALLY fun part...children will celebrate Thanksgiving the MOSI way by launching a turkey with a catapult. (For Kindergarten – 4th Graders.)

The Camp takes place November 23, 24,and 25, from 9am to 4 pm.  Like i said, it all happens at MOSI (4801 East Fowler Avenue).  the cost to attend is $95 (for MOSI Members) and $114 (for nonmembers). 

Just head over to www.MOSI.org for more info.  And as always, keep checking back here for more info about great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

HART wins the State's Best "Outstanding System" Award

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales
Well here I am again, Linda Mummert giving you the low down on Tampa Bay's very own Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has won the title of "Outstanding Transit System" by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

HART was awarded with this prestigious honor at its recent annual conference in Jacksonville. The Outstanding Transit System award emphasizes achievement in efficiency and effectiveness, as measured by both quantitative and qualitative factors.

As part of the award process, HART submitted ridership and productivity numbers for the past three years, showing consistent growth.

Fiscal management is another important measurement, and HART demonstrated effective financial control by monitoring all related financial activities to ensure revenues, costs and cash flow are in compliance with stated objectives. In the last year, the implementation of efficiencies in various services and processes led to a savings of more than $1 million, which HART has been able to direct back into its Tampa Bay transit service.

In addition, HART's achievements in safety, operations, customer service, staff development, policy administration and marketing and community relations were considered.

The award recipients are chosen by the distinguished FPTA Organizational Awards Committee, which is comprised of the FPTA Executive Director, a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and a representative from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

On another note, HART also provides door-to-door paratransit service, Travel Training. and manages the TECO Streetcar system which provides transportation to shopping in Tampa Bay, our entertainment districts in Channelside, Hyde Park and Ybor City.  The streetcar is a wonderful alternative for our visitors and convention attendees to get around Tampa Bay and our local attractions.

They have won my HART and I am sure yours. Let's give our HART team a high five for winning the Best in the State Award! Over and out for now. Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news.

Mise en Place... Check it Out!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Do you remember the first time you smelled a wine and let it slowly run over your palate?  Remember the excitement at recognizing the various flavors on your tongue? 

If you are attending a Concert in Tampa or have St Pete Times Forum Tickets or simply Shopping in Tampa Bay the best place to begin this Friday evening is downtown 442 West Kennedy Blvd Suite 110 Tampa, FL  33606 at Mise en Place. 

For the adventurous in palate and spirit, Mise en Place provides an atmosphere of excitement where one is not afraid to ask questions and try something new and dynamic.  This is no ordinary Tampa Bar but a place where you could enjoy an evening of fine dining or kick your feet up at the bar and catch some Buccaneers Football or watch some Tampa Florida News. 

At Mise en Place the beverage manager exposes you to a fine array of outstanding wines.  Earning the Bern Laxer Award of Excellence for “Best Bartender in Tampa”, and still holding on to the prestigious crystal pineapple to prove it, Dave Madera continually wows us with tasty beverages.

So if your in downtown Tampa, be sure to stop in experience it first hand! My favorite is the ravioli!

It's Super BULL XIII Time!

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment.  The University of South Florida Alumni Association announces its Super Bull XIII 2009 Homecoming events to be held next week.  Here are the details you need to know:

Monday, November 16
What: Homecoming Kick-off
Where: Marshall Center Ballroom, USF Tampa campus
When: Noon
Info: The USF Alumni Association continues its tradition of presenting the USF students with the opposing team’s (University of Louisville) mascot at the official Homecoming kick-off to burn at the November 20 Parade After-Party.

Friday, November 20
What: Parade Watch Party
Where: Gibbons Alumni Center front lawn, USF Tampa campus
When: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Info: FREE event with music, games and food samplings from the Bulls Country vendors.  The Alumni Association will participate in the Homecoming parade, which begins at 7:00 p.m., with a decorated float.  

What: Serengeti Night Safari at Busch Gardens:  In collaboration with the USF Alumni Association
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
When: 9:00-11:30 p.m.
Info: Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa during this one-of-a-kind experience to be held after the USF Homecoming parade. Call 1-888-800-5447 for more information and to make reservations.  Tickets are $45.00 for adults plus tax, and $25.00 for youth 5 to 16 years of age plus tax.

Saturday, November 21
What: Bulls Roast Tailgate
Where: Fenced lot outside Gates A & B at Raymond James Stadium
When: 3 hours prior to kickoff of the USF vs. Louisville game (9 a.m. tailgate for noon game)
Info: Barbeque, music, Budweiser® beer and sangria, face painters, games, FREE USF spirit supplies and scheduled appearances by Herd of Thunder, Rocky, USF Sun Dolls and Cheerleaders.  Tickets are $35 for USF Alumni Association members and $45 for non-members and can be purchased at www.USFalumni.org/bullsroast or by calling 813-974-0338.

Kickoff for the Homecoming football game against the Louisville Cardinals is at noon Saturday, November 21.  The game has been selected as the BIG EAST Network Game of the Week and will air locally on WFTS-TV ABC 28.

so, get out there and support the USF Bulls!  And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other awesome Tampa Bay area events!
 

Get Your Paint On Bok Tower Gardens

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment, and at one of the coolest Tampa Bay area attractions!


Internationally known artist Gary Gessford will offer a three-day landscape painting workshop for intermediate and advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils November 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Gessford will teach how to create atmosphere between foreground and background by painting trees and vegetation to give depth in landscape paintings. This is the first in a series of three painting workshops and enrollment is limited and costs $325 or $275 for members.


Plus, discounts are available for registrations in multiple workshops. Just call 863-734-1221 or email phrestina@boktower.org for reservations.


An artist for more than 30 years and owner of Gessford Studio in Mulberry, Gessford has painted, taught, lectured and exhibited extensively in Washington, D.C., Paris, France and in Germany where he received a six month fellowship. He trained at the Ringling School of Art, Corcoran School of Art, Georgia State University and the University of South Florida.


Gessford also offers workshops on floral painting on March 12–14 and architecture in landscape May 21–23 focusing on the Mediterranean-style architecture of Pinewood Estate.
Each three-day workshop has limited attendance and costs $325 for the general public, or $275 for members.


A 10 percent discount will be offered for registration in two workshops and 15 percent for all three workshops.


So, get out there and get your paint on at Bok Tower Gardens!  Keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

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!

Spots Available for Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all...Travis back for some Tampa Bay entertainment news for all of you sports and lifting fans out there. 


You may have heard, but the Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship is coming to town, and if you haven't heard, just click here to read the previous post from the Tampa Bay Sports guys!


Well, they have 5 spots available in the female division, 6 spots available in the heavyweight division, 8 spots available in the bench only division and 8 spots available in the deadlift only division.


So, if you are interested and meet the lifting requirements, get signed up soon! 


If you are interested in competing at Raw Unity then please check out the qualifying totals to see if you qualify for the meet...just click here.  
 


If you have not qualified and would like to apply for a spot, then simply send a “lifter resume” to erictalmant@yahoo.com.  Please include videos or links to videos if you would like to improve your chances.


Also, if you aren't a "lifter" but you know some who may be interested, pass the word to any and all lifters that may be interested. 


The roster that has been assembled is arguably one of the best that the sport of powerlifting has seen in a long time. 


If you want to see the current roster,just click here

 

Oh, and you can also attend if you just want to see the action.  I will definitely be heading out to see this one! 


Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Lightning Action During November

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with two upcoming exciting Tampa Bay area events that you don’t wanna  miss!


The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm and the New York Rangers on Friday, November 27 at 7:30pm.


Fans will have the opportunity to watch all favorite athletes including Vincent Lecavlier, Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman!


Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the upcoming games and events. As always, you are encouraged to check out www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about each game day for Official Game Notes, the latest stats, stories, game previews, line-ups and more.


Once again, come to support your team. The Deadline to order tickets is the day before the game days at noon or until the tickets are sold out. Don’t forget: “Together We Will”.  these are definitely the best St. Pete Times Forum tickets you can get. 


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

Tampa Bay Lightning get "Unplugged" next week

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is a must-see!  The Tampa Bay Lightning and its players will host their second “Lightning Unplugged” event of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m.


It all happens in Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass located in Wesley Chapel.


For those who have not heard of these series, “Unplugged” is a new series of fan friendly events in the Tampa Bay community hosted by former Lightning player and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Chris Dingman.


It offers fans a chance to meet the Lightning players and ask them questions in an open, casual, barrier-free environment.  This event will feature perennial NHL All-Star Martin St. Louis and new Lightning goaltender Antero Niittymaki joining Dingman at The Shops at Wiregrass. 


Also at the mall will be the Lightning Fan Interactive Truck, ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls. There will also be a merchandise tent, a ticket booth where fans can purchase tickets to upcoming Lightning games and Wiregrass’ holiday ice rink will be open to fans for skating.


Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes. The entrance to the event will be on Piazza Ave. near GrillSmith New American Grill. Following “Unplugged” there will be a post-event party located at The Brass Tap (just south of Center Court on Piazza Ave.). The party will begin immediately following the event and will feature great drink specials (for those of us old enough to attend).


And there'll be more of these Tampa Bay area events, so Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the future stops of “Unplugged” throughout the 2009-10 season. As always, you are encouraged to visit www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about these happening. 

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

NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN SHOW JUMPING FINALS ARE COMING TO TAMPA BAY THIS DECEMBER!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Josh Jones
Josh Jones here with a Tampa Bay sports update! On December 5, City League International will bring their Grand Prix Team Show Jumping Finals to the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Grand Prix is the final event in a three day competition that begins on Thursday, December 3. Four riders from each team will compete on Thursday in a points based speed competition. Then, on Friday all members of each team compete in team based competitions. Two riders are then chosen from each team to compete in the Grand Prix on Saturday night. Between the two riders, the lowest point score is dropped and the team with the most overall points from the three days will win the event. The top three riders in the Grand Prix will receive individual gold, silver and bronze medals, while the top eight teams in the overall event will receive prize money up to $25,000.

The teams that will compete in the event are from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Each team is made up of men and women of different ages that compete against each other as equals. The Grand Prix is an event comprised of speed, precision, and athleticism.
 
City League provides its fans with pony rides and vendor expositions before an event and the unique opportunity to meet riders and pet horses after the event. Spectator interaction and participation are exclusive attributes to the equestrian sport and are exercised by allowing any rider to join the league and compete.

Tickets for the 2009 Grand Prix Show Jumping Finals are available for $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. They can be purchased online, prior to the event, at www.cityleagueinternational.com or at the event on December 5.

Check the website for ticket discounts and giveaways, as well as, team updates. Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Spartan Soccer Tonight at Pepin Stadium!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
athleticsyck again with another Tampa Bay Sports update! THIS IS SPARTA!!! Pardon me, as I was channeling King Leonidis and my inner Spartan there for a moment.

Image Courtesy of Uinversity of Tamp aAthletics.Tonight the University of Tampa Men's Soccer team will take on St. Leo as they look tclosese out the regular season in style before defending their Sunshine State Conference title!

The Spartans have been ranked in the top 10 in each of the regular season polls this year, including three weeks at number one and will also  look to continue their 16 game home win streak that dates back to 2007 against this same St. Leo Lions team.

The Spartans will also honor a veteran group as tonight will be the final home game for a group of seniors that will be greatly missed come next year. 

The Spartans are led by senior and top goal scorer Pascal Milien, who has tallied 10 goals to go along with three assists for 23 points. In goal for the Spartans is fellow senior Ryan Thompson who boasts an 11-1-1 record with three shutouts and a 0.89 goals against average. Kyle Williams will lead back-linene that has allowed just 12 goals on the year so far.

All fans can access tonight'match-upup via a livweb-castst through www.tampaspartans.com where live stats will be available. If you want to get game updates on your mobiel device, UT also offers eScores, which is a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook.

Its gonna be a great night of soccer here in Tampa Bay so be sure to get out there and support these local teams! Jerm will most likely be there tonight in support of his Spartans so be on the lookout for me!

In the meantime, be sure to keep checking back for more Tampa Bay area events updates about the Spartans!

At the USF Bulls Soccer Home Finale Last Night...

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Yo, yo, yo! Whatsup peeps! Jerm here with a tiny re-cap last night of the USF Bulls Men's Soccer game I was at last night. It was in fact senior night last night as the USF Bulls took on the Depaul Blue Demons in Big East play last night.

I  was out at the game last night drumming up some support for the Tampa Bay FIFA World Cup Bid and getting signatures for the petition. Which by the way, if you haven't done that, then you can hop over to our website and do so. I even got to meet Thomas Rongen last night, who is head coach of the US Under 20 Men's National team

It was a difficult game for the Bulls to break open last night as the Blue Demons seemed content to keep at least 9 guys behind the ball all night and just weather the storm, but USF finally made the breakthrough on an absolute rip of a bending free kick just outside the eighteen by Zak Boggs.

I had a feeling when he stepped up to take it that he was going to make it, and I almost started to take some video of it, but told myself, nahhhhhh he's not gonna make it. As a result I will never doubt Zak Boggs again, and neither should you!

Despite a valiant defensive effort by the Blue Demons and plenty of good chances by the Bulls to get on the board again, that is the way the game would end as the Bulls took their overall record to 12-2-2, 6-2-2 in conference play. For the second year in a row, the University of South Florida men's soccer team finished its regular season home schedule without a loss..., now that's impressive!

Great Crowd at the Game Last NightThe Bulls will end the season on the road this weekend vs. a tough Rutgers team sure to be looking to knock off the #9 ranked Bulls in conference play! The following week the Bulls will try and defend their Big East Title against what will be a very tough field of opponents.

For more info on that and other Bulls soccer updates check out the Men's Soccer home page.

But that's not all guys, more soccer action for you tonight as the number 4 seeded Lady Bull's kick-off conference tournament play vs Depaul at 7:30! Coach Denise Schlite-Brown will be looking to start the postseason on a strong note after finishing the season strong with the teams best record since 03'!

Come out tonight and show your support for the Bulls and our World Cup Bid as we will be back out there collecting signatures! Who knows, the USF Athletic department may even feed you as, last night they gave a way free pizza from Papa Johns!

That's all I got for now folks, but stay tuned for more updates from Jerm on USF Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

ExTRAVELganza in Tampa Bay!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa tourism news.  Plus, it's some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 


The Sixteenth Annual ExTRAVELganza, the Bay Area's Premier Vacation & Sports Auction
Featuring the New Tours of Taste, take places on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-10pm. 


It's happening at the at the spectacular newly opened Mainsail Conference Center!  As far as Tampa Bay hotels go, this one is amazing! 


There is no other fundraising event in the Bay Area quite as extraordinary as ExTRAVELganza, which provides the opportunity to purchase dream travel packages while raising scholarship dollars for hospitality and/or culinary arts students.


And, attendees will be delighted with a spectacular inaugural event - a Titanium Chef Competition with celebrity judge. Seats will be limited for this event.


So, make sure you log on to www.extravelganza.org to get more information about attending...also, they are looking for items for the auction.  So, if you have something you'd like to donate, you can do that as well...just check the site for details. 


See you there.  And keep checking back for more updates about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Columbia Restaurant Hosts Florida Conversations

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with more cool Tampa Bay entertainment!  This just in from the history center...on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7pm the Tampa Bay History Center will present a Florida Conversations lecture featuring USF Historian Andrew Huse and Columbia Restaurant owner Richard Gonzmart.


The two will discuss Huse’s new book, The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture and Cuisine.


Although the Florida Conversations Lecture Series is normally hosted by the Tampa Bay History Center, this special installment will be held at the Siboney Room at the Columbia Restaurant’s Ybor City location.


Huse, a historian with the University of South Florida Libraries Department of Special Collections, worked closely with the Gonzmart Family to write this new centennial history of the famed Tampa restaurant.


In The Columbia Restaurant, Huse provides an in-depth look at the people who made the restaurant great. With a historian's eye for accuracy and a storyteller's ear for anecdotes, Huse traces the fortunes of the Columbia from the founder, Casimiro Hernandez Sr., to his great-grandson, fourth-generation restaurateur Richard Gonzmart.


Florida Conversations features authors covering the history, culture and people of Florida and is presented through a partnership with the University of South Florida Libraries Florida Studies Center.


Here's a great part about this event...it's FREE and open to the public. For additional information or to find out about upcoming lectures just head over to www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.  Have fun all you history majors and fans!


And keep checking back for more cool Tampa Bay area events, and other things to do in Tampa Bay.