Tampa Bay Sports

Hey there sports fans! It's is Josh&Weston delivering the play-by-play action and  keeping you all updated on what is going on in the sports world around the Tampa Bay area.  Here you will see the latest updates of what we are planning and even ways for you to get involved in the excitement!  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed (link to the top right) and be notified of my latest blog posts.

Feel free to provide feedback to the topics covered in this blog so that we can continue to make Tampa Bay the premier sports destination in the country!  Also check out our website www.TampaBaySports.org!

Until next time, have a great day and check back for more updates!

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!

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!

Josh Jones here proud to say we are 1 month away from yet another prime time event taking place this December…the ESPN SEC/BIG EAST INVITATIONAL!

Tipping off Thursday, Dec. 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, DePaul will take on Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Fans who wish to attend this must-see doubleheader at St. Pete Times Forum can purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone by calling the St. Pete Times Forum box office at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices are $40, $25 and $15.

Mississippi State kicks off the season #18 in the AP Top 25, and the Orangemen of Syracuse currently hold the #25 spot in the ESPN/USA Today Poll.

Florida and Syracuse are meeting for the third time in the last five years with each team having a victory (UF in 2005 and Syracuse in 2008). Syracuse leads the all-time series between the two schools, 2-1.

The Gators will be making their fifth appearance in the building since 2003. UF reached the Second Round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum, picked up non-conference wins in 2006 and 2007 and reached the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at the building in March.  Meanwhile, Mississippi State will make their return to Tampa for the first time since winning the 2009 SEC Tournament Championship.
 
For more information on the tournament, please  visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay area events from your Tampa Bay team!

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!

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!

Josh Jones here guys, and I have some info on one of the cooler Tampa Bay area events coming to town! The Raw Unity Power-lifting Championships are set to take place in Tampa Bay for the third straight year.

Raw Unity is the perfect excuse to bring the best raw power-lifters in the state to compete using only their “raw” talent. The competition will take place on January 30Th and 31st, 2010 in the George W. Jenkins Family Center of the Jackson Springs Recreation Center.

For those of you who don’t know about Raw Unity or power-lifting, allow me to inform you.  Power-lifting began in the late 1960s. Raw power-lifting started it journey with minor leagues being formed in the early to mid 90s. Raw power-lifting is another form of power-lifting; however, this form is how much a participant can lift without their squat suit. The purpose behind the whole concept is to test an athlete’s real raw lifting ability. Raw power-lifting covers three events: squat, bench press and dead lift.

Last year the championship was able to bring over 50 participants and over 250 show attendees to the big show. This year they expect over 100 participants and over 350 show attendees. All the proceeds from the meet will go to fund the Jackson Springs Recreation Center after-school athletic programs and scholarship funds.

Last year’s event sold out, so be sure to get there early to get your seats!

From more information: www.rawunitymeet.com. This is Josh Jones signing off now, and be sure to follow my posts for more updates from your Tampa Bay team on the amateur Tampa Bay Sports scene here in Tampa Bay!

COMPETITION SCHEDULE:
Saturday, January 30Th - Women and Lightweights (under 180lbs) compete
Sunday, January 31st – Men 180 lbs and up compete

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Emerge Tampa Bay are please to present the TAMPA BAY SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: THE ARRIVAL OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL!

From the field to the ice to the front office, the sports industry in Tampa Bay and around the world is a dynamic and competitive one with young professionals rising among the ranks faster than ever. Come meet Tampa Bay's youngest and brightest leaders in the sports scene and hear what they did to take their game to the top of the class!

Speakers:
Matt Silverman, President, Tampa Bay Rays
Mark Dominik, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steven Stamkos, Player, Tampa Bay Lightning
Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Andrew Nester, Owner, Tampa Bay Rowdies

EVENT INFORMATION
Event Name: Tampa Bay Sports Leadership Summit: The Arrival of the Young Professional
Event Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
Event Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Event Location: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center- Jaeb Theatre
Event Address: 1010 N.W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa

The cost to attend this event is $10 at the door or a new or gently used sporting good, both of which will be donated to Tampa Bay area youth leagues. Breakfast will be provided by Panera Bread.

Free parking for the first 40 cars in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center valet lot or W.F. Poe Parking Garage is $1.20 an hour. Register below and be sure to check back for more things to do in Tampa Bay from your Tampa Bay team.

To pre-register CLICK HERE

Josh Jones here with a Tampa Bay Sports update! On Thursday, Dec. 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, DePaul will take on Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Drawing the national spotlight will be the Syracuse vs Florida matchup, which MSN ranks as #19 on the top 25 non-conference games to look out for this upcoming season. 

MSN also has ranked the Gators #25 in its pre-season top 25 poll and Syracuse received a mention as a team to watch.

Florida and Syracuse are meeting for the third time in the last five years with each team having a victory (UF in 2005 and Syracuse in 2008). Syracuse leads the all-time series between the two schools, 2-1.

The Gators will be making their fifth appearance in the building since 2003. UF reached the Second Round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum, picked up non-conference wins in 2006 and 2007 and reached the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at the building in March.

The night will open with the DePaul Blue Demons taking on the defending SEC tournament champion Mississippi State Bulldogs, who also received a mention by MSN as another team to watch.
 
Fans who wish to attend the Dec.10 doubleheader at St. Pete Times Forum can purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone by calling the St. Pete Times Forum box office at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices are $40, $25 and $15.

For more information on the tournament, please  visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay area events from your Tampa Bay team!

Hey guys, Josh Jones here to tell you about the Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s 2nd Annual Baseball Fall Classic taking place on Saturday, September 26 at Red McEwen Field at USF.

The Fall Classic is a 12 inning event that showcases the top high schools seniors from the Hillsborough County area. Seniors from east Hillsborough County will face seniors from west Hillsborough County to provide a preview to this year’s high school baseball season. The game starts at 11:00 a.m. and is open to the public.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to witness some of the best high school baseball talent in Hillsborough County!  Stay tuned for more updates from us your Tampa Bay team at the Sports Commission!

Hey there volleyball fans, Josh Jones here to recap last weekend’s “Tampa Twice” volleyball tournament. The tournament exceeded all expectations and proved plenty of excitement for all of those who attended. 

In the opening match, the #3 Washington Huskies took on the #9 Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was the first time Washington had faced a ranked opponent this season and the Golden Gophers gave the Huskies all they could handle. Washington stood up to the challenge though and swept Minnesota in three closely contested games with scores of 25-21, 25-19 and 25-23.

In the second match of the night, the previously ranked #4 Florida Gators faced off against the USF Bulls. In front of a crowd of 3,056 the Bulls lost the first set 25-13 but rallied in the second set to win 25-18. However, the Gators tough outside hitters proved to be too much for the Bulls in the third and fourth sets winning 25-23 and 25-10 respectively. The Gators handed the Bulls their first loss of the season winning the match 3-1.

The second night of exciting volleyball action started off with Washington taking on Florida for the right to be crowned champion of the “Tampa Twice” tournament. The first set remained even until Washington had back-to-back kills going up 8-6 and never let up the rest of the night.  In the end, the Huskies continued their winning streak as they shut out the Gators 3-0. #3 Washington is now sitting at a perfect 8-0 and Florida is now ranked #5 with a record of 6-1.

To conclude the “Tampa Twice” tournament, the host USF Bulls looked to rebound from their first loss of the season against #9 Minnesota. The Bulls faced a strong Golden Gopher team that put in a near flawless effort with only three attack errors in the match and a large advantage in blocks of 15-3. The Bulls did all they could to stay close with Minnesota but ended up falling 3-0. USF moves to 5-2 on the season while #9 Minnesota is now 7-2.
The “Tampa Twice” volleyball tournament provided to be a successful event for the city that will host the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship later this year on December 17 and 19 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

For more information on the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship click here!

That’s it for today, thanks for stopping by sports fans! Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports information and amateur sports related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Josh Jones signing out! 

Josh Jones here again with another Tampa Bay Sports update! Get your tickets for all the basketball action in December at the SEC/Big East Invitational Tournament!  On Thursday, Dec. 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, DePaul will take on Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
 
DePaul and Mississippi State are meeting for the second time with the Blue Demons claiming a 62-60 win over the Bulldogs on Dec. 28, 1988 in New Orleans, La., at the USF&G Sugar Bowl Classic.  Mississippi State returns to Tampa for the first time since winning the 2009 SEC Tournament Championship in March. 

Florida and Syracuse are meeting for the third time in the last five years with each team having a victory (UF in 2005 and Syracuse in 2008). Syracuse leads the all-time series between the two schools, 2-1.

The Gators will be making their fifth appearance in the building since 2003. UF reached the Second Round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum, picked up non-conference wins in 2006 and 2007 and reached the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at the building in March.

Teams invited to participate in the SEC/BIG EAST Invitational are chosen by ESPN in consultation with the conferences and are based on geographic and competitive criteria.  The BIG EAST holds a 5-3 record in the first two years of the SEC/BIG EAST Invitational. The two conferences have combined to produce four of the last seven NCAA Men's Basketball Champions (Florida - 2007 and 2006; Connecticut - 2004; Syracuse - 2003) and seven of the last 14 national champions (Connecticut - 1999; Kentucky - 1998 and 1996).
 
Fans who wish to attend the Dec.10 doubleheader at St. Pete Times Forum can purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone by calling the St. Pete Times Forum box office at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices are $40, $25 and $15.

For more information on the tournament, please  visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay area events from your Tampa Bay team!

Hey guys, Josh here with another quick update. Seems I am a busy blogger today huh!

Be sure to come out and join the Tampa Yankees, as they host Games 1 and 2 of the 2009 Florida State League Championship Series. The series begins this Friday, September 11th @ George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Get started early when the gates open at 6p.m. and enjoy $2.75 beers all night long. TY Facebook friends receive $2 admission to both playoff games.  Both games will start at 7 p.m. with Game 2 being played on Saturday, September 12th.

For more information call 813-875-7753 or visit www.tybaseball.com, and be sure to stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports updates from me and local Tampa Bay team.

Hello there volleyball fans, Josh Jones here with an important update. The inaugural “Tampa Twice” volleyball tournament is taking place this weekend, and is shaping up to be an event you can’t afford to miss! The tournament will feature three AVCA ranked teams, #3 Washington Huskies, #4 Florida Gators and #9 Minnesota Golden Gophers, as well as the currently undefeated USF Bulls.  The games will be played at the USF Sun Dome this Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.

On Friday night, the tournament starts off at 6 p.m. with Washington versus Minnesota. Washington has started off the season on fire, sweeping its first six opponents and winning both of its first two tournaments to give them a perfect 6-0 record.

However, the Huskies will have their hands full with a Golden Gopher team that is coming off a perfect 5-0 performance at the Diet Coke Classic. The Golden Gopher’s are currently 2-1 against ranked teams this season and are currently 6-1 overall.

At 8 p.m. on Friday night, in-state foes Florida and USF face-off for the 31st time. Both teams are currently undefeated this season at 5-0. The teams last played each other in 2006 when Florida swept USF 3-0. USF is looking to its heavy senior-laden squad to lead them past #4 Florida. Florida is coming off a stellar winning performance at the 31st Annual Community Bankers Classic.   

“Tampa Twice” wraps up on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. with #3 Washington taking on #4 Florida, followed by #9 Minnesota against USF at 8 p.m. All four teams are looking for this non-conference, regular season tournament title to help them gain momentum for the remainder of the season, and bring them back to Tampa Bay for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship in December at the St. Pete Times Forum.
To purchase tickets to “Tampa Twice” call 1-800-GoBulls or log on to www.GoUSFBulls.com.    

For 2009 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship ticket information click here!
Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports updates from your Tampa Bay team!

Recently announced was the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2009 Legends class.  This year’s group is highlighted by two state standouts and former Heisman trophy winners in Chris Weinke (Florida State) and Vinny Testaverde (Miami), and one of the ACC’s winningest coach in Danny Ford (Clemson).

The Legends will be honored at this year's Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game weekend. They will appear at the ACC Coaches and Awards Luncheon at noon on Friday, Dec. 4, and will be honored at the "ACC Night of Legends" held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Friday evening.  They will also be recognized during pre-game ceremonies at Raymond James Stadium for the 5th Annual Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, which has an 8 p.m. kickoff on Dec. 5 and will be nationally televised by ESPN.

This year’s class is well known for the individual accolades it has accomplished both at the collegiate the pro level.  Combined are two Heisman trophy winners, three ACC Players of the Year and seven All-Americans that went on to accrue 79 years of professional football experience.   Also to highlight are the combined two national championships, one NFL World Championship, and 15 ACC team titles held by this group.

You can catch the legends signing autographs, FREE at ACC FanFest before the 2009 Dr Pepper ACC Championship game!  For more information about the ACC Championship game and its surrounding events, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com.

For more information on the ACC Legends click here! 

Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

Have you ever wanted to learn to play volleyball?  Do you play volleyball and want to sharpen up those skills? Here is your chance…FOR FREE!
 
Join University of South Florida volleyball’s head coach, Claire Lessinger, and players from all of the Tampa Twice teams to learn the basics of volleyball!  The kids clinic will take place September 12th from 9-11 AM at the USF Sun Dome. This event is open to all children in 8th grade and below!
 
THERE ARE ONLY 60 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
SIGN UP FREE TODAY BY CALLING 813-974-4132!
 
Tampa Twice will take place at the USF Sun Dome on Sept. 11-12 and will feature the University of Washington, University of Minnesota, University of Florida and USF vying for the non-conference, regular season tournament title in hopes that it springs their team to a return trip to Tampa for the 2009 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Division I Championships in December.
 
Stay tuned for more Tampa Twice coverage and information on surrounding Tampa Bay area events in the coming week…

This is your Tampa Bay sports team signing off!

Hello all. Josh Jones here with some great news! The Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC) is excited to announce its exclusive partnership with Bay Stage Lighting and AVI-SPL.  The TBSC and Bay Stage Lighting will work together for lighting needs on all events and projects, while AVI-SPL will exclusively provide audio and visual services.

Headquartered in Tampa, AVI-SPL offers a full array of audio, video and lighting services and is the nation’s largest full-service audiovisual service provider.  With state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly dedicated technical staff, AVI-SPL has more than 30 years of industry experience. 

Bay Stage Lighting, open since 1957, is a family-owned business and a leading provider of entertainment technologies that specializes in rentals, sales, custom designs and full productions for all lighting needs.  In addition to a world-class staff of lighting designers, event producers and production support, Bay Stage offers an on-site, state-of-the-art Dream Theatre, which utilizes the latest innovations in pre-visualization and 3D animation software. 

To learn more about the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, log on to www.TampaBaySports.org.  For additional information about Bay Stage Lighting, visit www.BayStageLighting.com, and for more information about AVI-SPL Inc., go to www.avispl.com. 

The month of July saw two of the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) top basketball events visit Hillsborough County.

Over the weekend of July 5-8 the Tampa Bay Sports Commission hosted the USSSA girls national championship in Tampa Bay for the 4th consecutive year.  56 teams from across the country competed head to head to be crowned national champion.  The games were played around the Hillsborough County area high schools and drew an expected attendance of 2,300 for the duration of the event.

Following the success of the national championship was the USSSA Best of the South Showcase held on July 13-15 at various facilities around Hillsborough County.  The event featured 32 teams in the 14U, 15U, 16U, and 17U age divisions competing for top prize in this amateur event.

Get more information regarding the 2009 Girls Basketball Championship. Stay tuned for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

The Women's Blue-Chip Basketball League has awarded the Tampa Bay X-Factor the 2009 Regional and National Championships this August.  The Suncoast Regional  took place August 1-2, while the National  will take over August 14-16.

The Women’s Blue-Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) is a new semi-professional league for women basketball players. The WBCBL's mission is to provide highly competitive basketball for women age 20 and older. The competition level varies from former college players to former NWBL and WNBA players and current international players.

Last year, in their first season with the league, the Tampa Bay X-Factor, which plays their games at Jefferson High, went unbeaten en route to the league championship.  The purpose of the X-Factor mission is to help bridge the gap for women in sports and to help steer those up in coming athletes in the right directions.

For more information on the X-Factor, visit www.wbcbl.com Stay tuned for more updates from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and plenty of Tampa Bay area events like this one!

Whats going on peeps! Josh Jones here with an update for ya. Over the past month the Tampa Bay Sports Commission has partnered with community leaders in the sports of volleyball and softball to host two local combines benefitting Hillsborough County athletes.

The 2009 Tampa Bay Sports Commission High School Volleyball Camp and College Showcase was held June 28 at the University of Tampa's Bob Martinez Center. The combine served as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and develop new ones during three hours of free instruction.  A total of 65 rising juniors and seniors (24 from Hillsborough County) and a number of college coaches were on hand for the event.

During the month of July, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Tampa Mustangs partnered to host the Florida's Finest College Showcase.  The showcase took place July 11-12 at Greco Softball Complex. This year's event drew over 960 attendees who highlighted their skills to coaches from over 19 schools. In total, 24 softball teams participated in this highly touted combine, which has generated over 70 scholarships for athletes in the last four years. 

Both combines serve as part of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission's Youth Sports Programming and work as a vehicle to foster the ongoing development and quality of life for the entire Tampa Bay area.

Stay tuned for more updates on what we are up to!