Tampa Florida News

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! 
 

Hey guys!  Travis back with some cool news about a brand new source for your information about Tampa Bay!  It's called 83 Degrees, it's totally online, and here's the info straight from them:

A new economy is emerging across West Central Florida - from Tampa to Sarasota to
Clearwater to Spring Hill to Lakeland - and 83 Degrees plans to tell that story.

Today, 83 Degrees (www.83degreesmedia.com) will go live with its first weekly e-magazine, complete with features, Innovation and Job News, Development News, Q&As, and photos and videos that capture the innovative people and companies driving the Tampa Bay region's economy.

If you have news tips about things they should cover, they should be e-mailed to tips@83degreesmedia.com . They want to hear about talented people, innovations, investments, ideas, new businesses and job growth in the New Economy that reflect Tampa Bay's rising TIDE -- Talent, Innovation, Diversity, Environment.

The weekly online magazine will publish Tuesdays and be sent out free via e-mail to subscribers!  You can sign up at www.83degreesmedia.com.

So, log on and have some fun.  And keep checking back for some great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events and news!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some important Tampa Bay entertainment news for the holidays!  This comes straight to us from our friends at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

In case you didn't know, the latest show is having its world debut in Tampa in January at the St. Pete Times Forum.  If you haven't heard about the show, just click here!

Well, here's how you can get free tickets:

This Friday, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be giving away tickets to see the 140th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth®, Barnum’s FUNundrumSM, a celebration of P. T. Barnum so big, it is an event 200 years in the making.

In exchange, they're asking Bay area residents to donate food to help stock the shelves at Metropolitan Ministries, to feed the needy in the Tampa Bay community this holiday season. 

Friday, November 20 from 11am to 1pm, representatives from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be collecting nonperishable food items in exchange for tickets to Opening Night of the circus.

A donation of 10 items entitles each consumer to one show ticket, with a limit of four tickets per family, while supplies last. Tickets will be for the Wed. night, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. performance only, at the St. Pete Times Forum. 

Donations will be collected in front of the McDonald’s® Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 33602, phone: 813-301-6500.

if you want more information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visit www.ringling.com.

And keep checking back for other Tampa Bay area events, and info about other great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some cool information from one of the best Tampa Florida attractions out there.  Bok Tower Gardens will host the 2009 Star Gaze to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the telescope. 

It all takes place on Nov. 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting, with November 20 as the backup date.

The astronomy class at Webber International University will have at least seven telescopes available for use. More great news...admission will be half-price, which means $5 for adults and $1.50 for ages 5-12.

If you want tickets in advance, just call 863-734-1221 or email phrestina@boktower.org.

Here's some technical info that's pretty cool too:
At this time of the month when only the thin crescent moon will fill the sky with light, more than a thousand stars should be visible at any given time as well as the planet Jupiter; Albireo, a double star in the constellation Cygnus and the “Double Cluster,” two open star clusters near the constellation Cassiopeia.

Other stellar sights include “The Keystone Cluster,” the globular star cluster in Hercules. A short introduction by Karl Gould of WIU at the Visitor Center will precede the field observation.

Gates open at 5 p.m. to explore the observation area while it’s still light and become familiar with focusing the eyepiece. Bring a small red light flashlight that can be made by placing a sheet of red plastic over the front lens of a standard AA flashlight.

A small folding chair, blankets and insect repellent are also recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Of course, you can head over to www.boktowergardens.org for the lastest information.  And definitely keep checking back here for more info about great things to do in Tampa Bay and other awesome Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey gang!  Travis back with some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment.  You can join members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Saturday, November 21 at 10am as they drive a herd of cattle down Old Water Street from Morgan Street to the Tampa Bay History Center!

Yep, you heard me right!  This cattle drive is being held in conjunction with the History Center's temporary exhibit Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition, which chronicles the history and culture of one of Florida’s oldest industries.

Florida’s ranching legacy began when Spanish explorers brought cattle and horses to Florida in the 16th century. To date, cattle ranching remains an integral part of the state’s economy. 

The Florida Cattle Ranching exhibit is on display through December 19. Following the cattle drive, visitors can experience the cattle ranching lifestyle by visiting an authentic Cracker Cow Camp set up in Contanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

Within the History Center, they can watch whip making demonstrations, listen to cowboy storytelling, enjoy youth activities and get a book signed by Carlton Ward, Jr. at the Museum Store.

Watching the cattle drive and visiting the Cow Camp is free. General admission rates apply for admittance into the History Center's galleries.  If you're interested and want more info, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

Have fun with the cattle drive everyone!  and keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Florida news!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  It's been a while since we've done a giveaway, so we are going to try this again. 

Hopefully you have all heard about the brand new production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Wonderland, Alice's New Musical Adventure.  if you haven't heard, just check out the previous blog by clicking here. 

Well, we have two tickets to give away for the performance on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center. 

These will be Facebook giveaways, so don't forget that you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay). 

We'll be doing the giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10am, so make sure you are there and ready to answer a trivia question. 

The first 10 correct repsonses have a chance at the tickets.  so, we'll see you then! 

And keep checking back for more updates about cool Tampa Bay entertainment options and other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

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.
 

Hey everyone...Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This time, we are heading out to St. Petersburg for the 21st Annual Northeast Exchange Club Ribfest. 

It's Nov. 13-15.  This Ribfest marks its 21ST year of helping a variety of youth-oriented causes “one rib at a time”. 

This three-day charity fundraiser features the best barbeque ribs in the World, plus national touring artists playing classic and southern rock and country hits.

You can also catch Hell on Wheels, the nation’s leading BMX action stunt show, along with a Classic and Custom Car Show.  Tickets are on sale, so hurry up.  Just make your way to www.ribfest.org to get the full scoop (and slab of ribs)!

And they'll have plenty of napkins, so don't worry.  I hope everyone enjoys, and keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  Phil Vassar will return to rock the Dallas Bull's stage on Friday, Nov. 13 - the only chance Vassar fans will have to see him in the Sunshine State during his current tour.

This guy's a singer, songwriter, piano player... and one heck of a performer!  here's some info they just sent us:

From his tousled blond tresses to his charming, heartfelt lyrics, Vassar was born to be a country performer. While he hails from Virginia, Vassar got his start after opening an Italian restaurant in Nashville with a friend, where he began performing cover songs as well as some melodies of his own. Shortly thereafter, Vassar began co-writing songs for some of country's greatest, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and Neal McCoy.
 
The lead off single to Vassar's self-titled debut album, "Carlene" was followed by "Just Another Day in Paradise," which served as his first Number One hit as a country singer. In 2002, he co-wrote and performed a charity single called "Words Are Your Wheels" to promote literacy.

Released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores, this song featured guest vocals from Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and Sara Evans. Vassar's 2008 album titled Prayer of a Common Man produced what might be his most well-known hit, "Love is a Beautiful Thing."

Like we said, it's at the Dallas Bull!  The Bull was recently named "Tampa's most popular nightclub" by the Tampa Bay Times and upholds their reputation by housing 20,000 visitors each month and catering to a variety of attendees.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the cost of attendance is $9.95 in advance through Ticketmaster or www.Dallasbull.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.  So make sure you plans and head out to enjoy this cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 

And keep checking back as we'll keep brining you more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and information about other Tampa Bay area events. 

 

Hey everyone!  Travis here.  This is just a quick post, but when I heard about this Tampa Bay entertainment news, I had to share! 

We all remember the book from when we were younger (especially if you are from my generation, which will remain a mystery), but now we get to see the movie, and we get to see it on IMAX. 

The highly anticipated move, Where the Wild Things Are, is coming to MOSI on Nov. 7!!!  I'll wait for everyone to calm down. 

I'm not sure how long it's running, but it doesn't matter, because it's there long enough for everyone to go see it!!!! 

So, head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details about tickets and this and other shows!  You can bet you'll see me there! 

See you next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as tips for what to do, where to stay and so much more! 
 

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! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some additional Tampa Bay entertainment news!  Bok Tower Gardens has added a new preshow for the 8th annual Sunset & Symphony Fall Concert on November 7.

Area musicians Clint Dockery and James Hudson, an acoustical duo on mandolin and guitar, will perform from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. before the concert begins at 6 p.m.

Event gates open at 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $12 for members and $15 for the general public. The day of concert tickets are $20 and children under 5 are free.

If you're looking for tickets, they can be purchased online at www.boktowergardens.org.

Here are some quick tidbits about the show:

Popular operas, Broadway hits and patriotic favorites will be featured by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Joseph Mechavich with soprano Janette Zilioli.

With this year’s theme, “Fanfare for Opera,” William De Turk, Singing Tower carillonneur, will perform “Round O” from “The Moor’s Revenge” by Henry Purcell, “Gavotte” from “Iphigenie in Aulis” by Christoph W. von Gluck and a selection from “The Magic Flute” by W. A. Mozart.

Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available. The Instrument Petting Zoo will begin at 4:30 p.m. Located on the Garden Activities Center lawn, families can try their hands at a variety of instruments with the help of Orlando Philharmonic musicians.

But, there's plenty more info, so log on to www.boktowergardens.org.

And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!