World Cup in USA

USA Softball Comes to Tampa Bay This Month!

Monday, June 13, 2011 by Tampa Bay Sports

On Saturday, June 25 the Florida Amateur Softball Association and the Amateur Softball Association of America will welcome the USA Women’s National Fast Pitch Softball Teams to Tampa Bay.

The National Team and the Junior National Team will compete in a double-header starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Plant City Stadium. After the games have concluded, fans have the opportunity to attend an autograph session.

The National Team, led by Coach Ken Eriksen, who is also the Head Softball Coach at the University of South Florida, is preparing for the upcoming World Cup of Softball VI in Oklahoma City later this summer. The Junior National team, featuring University of South Florida’s Kourtney Salvarola, is preparing for the Junior Women’s World Championship in South Africa this winter.

The double header is just part of a Girls Fast Pitch Tournament at the Plant City Stadium and the Randy Larsen FourPlex that weekend. The tournament is for Girls 8U through 18U in both A and B Divisions.

For more information, to purchase tickets and to register for the tournament, visit www.playasa.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Plant City Stadium.

That's all for now folks, but be sure to stay tuned in for more sports related updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

CONCACAF Gold Cup in Tampa Bay Countdown!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 by Tampa Bay Sports

Hey folks, Jerm here with another Tampa Bay Sports update for you on the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup here in Tampa Bay!

We are about 11 days out now from having some world class soccer on display here in Tampa Bay, as teams from Panama, USA, Canada, and Guadeloupe will descend on Raymond James Stadium for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup!

The teams are gearing up in training camps all over the region and will be ready to come out and put on a show for their supporters, so you can rest assured these games will be played at a very high level of intensity, and I for one am looking forward to it!

Canada will go head-to-head with Guadeloupe at 6:00pm, followed immediately by USA vs Panama at 8:00pm. If you haven't already done so, be sure to get your tickets as they are selling fast and you don't want to miss out on this opportunity to see first hand some world class footballing action! We'll be dropping more updates on you as we draw closer to the event, so stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay events and be sure to get your tickets!

Decision Day Tomorrow for the USA and Tampa for FIFA World Cup 2022...

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hey guys! Jerm here with another important 2022 World Cup Bid update! If you didn't already know, tomorrow’s decision day! We’re in need of your help for one final push on the World Cup bid petition prior to tomorrow’s announcement.

Tampa Bay’s currently in 6th place in the petition rankings and less than 3,000 votes separate us from a top 5 finish. This would be a major accomplishment for the Tampa Bay area, and helps to illustrate our dedication to hosting this prestigious event.

So keep voting and continue spreading the word that Tampa Bay needs everyone’s support to make this dream a reality. Remember to:

• Text “TampaBay” to 22442 as many times as you like. Every text counts as a vote, so keep voting! (Standard messaging rates apply)
• Sign the on-line petition at www.GoUSABid.com/Tampa

That's all for now folks, but be sure to spread the word to as many people as you possibly can, and show your support for bringing the World Cup to Tampa Bay!

That's all for now, but stay tuned in for updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Bill Clinton is helping bring the World Cup to the United States!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Lisa here to share Bill Clinton's spin on why we are a worthy nation, to win the FIFA World Cup Bid.

When Bill Clinton was president in 1994, the World Cup was played on American soil. This is the last time in 16 years the game has been here. Former President Clinton has a few solid reasons now is the time for us.

In the last 16 years the United States has created the MLS professional league, we have expanded our fan base to more than 90 million, and four million youth are registered to play soccer. One other interesting fact: for the 2010 World Cup, the United States was second only to South Africa in tickets purchased for the tournament. If that doesn't show you something, I'm not sure what else would.
Our country is more diverse than ever before. The mix of ethnicity's and cultures within our borders makes us a desirable place to be the FIFA World Cup 2022 Host. Because of our diverse nature, other countries would feel more at home on our ground.
This is also an important moment for the future of soccer. With the FIFA World Cup Soccer Game in the United States, we would be able to help and address the economic, social and environmental challenges facing our world in the 21st century. A portion of every ticket sold at the FIFA World Cup 2022 will go to the World Cup of Life Campaign. This campaign is designed to provide drinking water for millions of people.

Former President Clinton makes quite a few great points. He is Honorary Chairman of the USA Bid Committee, and will be part of the presentation on the 2nd. With his help hopefully we can see the United States as the FIFA World Cup 2022 Host. There is also still time to vote so get out there Tampa and show your support! Text TampaBay to 22442 if you've already voted online!

That's all for now Tampa, but stay tuned for more Tampa Florida News Updates!

Morgan Freeman Travels to Switzerland for FIFA World Cup 2022 Announcement! #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hey guys! Jerm here with an exciting update about one of the biggest announcements in US Soccer History coming up this Thursday!

IF you didn't already know, we will find out this week if the United States is selected to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The announcement will be made by FIFA, the Governing body of world soccer, at a ceremony this week in Zurich, Switzerland.

One of my favorite actors, Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman will speak on behalf of the U.S. bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2022 when the U.S. team makes its final presentation to the FIFA Executive Committee on Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Zurich.

Freeman, a member of the USA Bid Committee’s board of directors, is the fourth person to be named to the U.S. team that will make a final 30-minute presentation. The others are:

U.S. President Bill Clinton, the honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the USA Bid Committee
U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Landon Donovan, a member of the USA Bid Committee board of directors

Freeman is the narrator of the U.S. Bid Committee’s promotional video “Bring it to Our Country,” featured at www.gousabid.com.

That's all for now folks, but stay tuned on for more updates on our FIFA 2022 World Cup Bid. We will be making updates each day leading up to the announcement on Thursday. If you haven't already done so, please visit www.GoUSABid.com/Tampa or text TampaBay to 22442 and show your support!

Stay tuned in for that and additional things to do in Tampa Bay!

President Bill Clinton to Travel to Zurich, Switzerland, for Final Presentation of U.S. Bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup™

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hello everyone! Jerm here with an important announce on our preparations for the announcement which is less than 30 days away.

Bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Tampa Bay

President Bill Clinton, honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee, will speak on behalf of the United States’ bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ when the U.S. delegation makes its final presentation to the FIFA Executive Committee on Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Zurich, Switzerland!

Now you guys will be hearing plenty of updates from us in the coming weeks as we count down to the big moment.

The U.S. will make its presentation to the FIFA Executive Committee for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. ET (5 p.m. local time in Zurich).

The FIFA Executive Committee will vote the following day, Thursday, Dec. 2, with the announcement of the 2018 and 2022 hosts broadcast live 10 a.m. ET (4 p.m. local time in Zurich) on fifa.com.

I don't know about you guys, but I am indeed excited, but a bit nervous at the same time, but you guys could make me allot less nervous by visiting www.GoUSABid.com/Tampa, and showing your support for the bid by signing the petition!

That's it for now folks, but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on our efforts to be FIFA World Cup 2022 Host!

Morgan Freeman Lends His Voice for #GoUSABid Video... #Tampa

Thursday, September 23, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello all, Jerm here and I just wanted to drop everyone a quick note about our FIFA World Cup USA Bid! If you did or didn't know by now, the United states is vying along with other countries to be host to the FIFA World Cup in the years 2018 or 2022.

As part of that effort Tampa is in contention with 17 other cities to play host to this amazing tournament! As part of our bid, local and national celebrities alike have lent there support to the overall bid. One of those celebrities just happens to be Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman!

As part of the Bid Committee, Mr Freeman, recently lent his voice to this amazing video below in support of the FIFA World Cup Bid! Mr Freeman has always had a powerful narration voice, especially in one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption. check out the video below and let me know what you think!

The Competition Continues in the Race to Get World Cup 2018 & 2020 in the U.S. #GoUSABid #Tampa

Thursday, July 8, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, as you all know there are just five days left in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Everyone involved with the USA Bid Committee is excited for what is sure to be an exciting final when Spain take on the Netherlands, but sad that all of the action will soon be coming to an end.

Although World Cup 2010 ends on July 11 that doesn’t ne

cessarily mean it is time for the USA Bid Committee to relax. After the World Cup ends, the work to try and bring this amazing event to our country will increase.

From now until December 2, 2010 when FIFA announces the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts, the USA Bid Committee, all candidate host cities and partners have a common goal to achieve — continuing to show the world how much this country loves soccer.

The USA Bid Committee is proud to announce that they have reached a total of 800,000 signatures — moving closer to the goal of exceeding a million signatures.

As of right now Houston is back in the lead, and former first-place Miami isn’t far behind. Tampa Bay is still in 5th place and still kicking, so make sure you all head over to http://www.gousabid.com/Tampa or text Tampa Bay to 22442 to vote for your city- TAMPA BAY!

Check back with me, Alex, often for more information on World Cup Soccer news and Tampa Bay area events.

U.S. Bid to Host FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 Announces a New Official Partner #GoUSABid #Tampa

Thursday, July 8, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to tell you who is one of the new official partners in the support of The USA Bid Committee’s efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to the United States in 2018 or 2022.

If you said Fox Soccer Channel then you are correct! Fox Soccer Chan

nel and its associated platforms, Fox Soccer Plus and Foxsoccer.com, will begin a series of corporate sponsorship announcements for the U.S. bid in the coming weeks.

"As the leading source for soccer programming and information in the United States, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus and Foxsoccer.com is proud to join forces with the USA Bid Committee as a corporate sponsor to bring the most important event in soccer to the United States," said David Nathanson, General Manager of Fox Soccer Channel. "We are committed to using all of our resources to be a driving force behind support for the USA Bid."

FIFA's 24 member Executive Committee will study the bids from the United States and the eight other competing countries, conduct site visits and name the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments on December 2, 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.

Stay tuned for more updates on FIFA World Cup USA and head over to http://www.gousabid.com/Tampa to vote for Tampa Bay!

Special FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Splitsville Lanes This Saturday! #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hey Tampa, It’s Jodi to tell you about a special World Cup Watch Party at Splitsville Lanes. The World Cup is winding to a close this weekend so don’t miss your last chance to be a part of this worldwide event.

Splitsville will be hosting a unique World Cup Watch Party Saturday, July 10 at 2 p.m., for all of Tampa’s soccer fans and the Crew of the Uruguayan Tall Ship the Capitan Miranda. Uruguay will facing off in the semi-final match that day.

This watch party is a great opportunity to get the true global feel of the World Cup and to celebrate the arrival of the Tall Ships to Tampa. The Tall Ship festivities kick-off on Saturday and continue through the week.

Along with Uruguay’s Capitan Miranda, there are two other Tall Ships: Colombia’s Gloria and the United States Coast Guard’s Eagle. All of the ships are open for tours but a ticket is required for the Gloria and the Capitan Miranda.

If you haven’t attended a World Cup Watch Party, this is your chance to see a truly dynamic match with all the international charm the World Cup is renowned for. If soccer is not your thing make sure you come out to see the beautiful, historic Tall Ships; they are truly spectacular.

They will be available for viewing and tours at Channelside (for the U.S.C.G. Eagle) and the Tampa Convention Center (for the Gloria and Capitan Miranda). For the crew and cadets of the Capitan Miranda, Splitsville will be offering specials including free billiards in the billiards room.

For more information on the Tall Ships go to www.yachtstarship.com/SailTampaBay or www.SailTampaBay2010.com

Also don't forget to show your support for the USA World Cup Bid in 2018 or 2022 by signing the petition at www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on the World Cup in USA!

Landon Donovan and Bob Bradley at the NYSE and on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart... #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hello out there to all my USA Soccer fans! I know its been a while since I last blogged, but I must admit that I was rather heartbroken to see the USA bow out of the FIFA World Cup last weekend vs Ghana.

I have sense recover though and I am extremely proud of the quality of soccer we played and the effort the guys and the coaching staff gave on behalf of their country.

Having said that, its just been amazing to watch the outpouring of support for the game here in the US in recent weeks, and we have seen that at an even higher level in recent days as the team has returned from South Africa.

So much so Landon Donovan and Bob Bradley were given the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, in addition to being guest of Jon Stewart on the Daily Show who is an avid soccer fan and former play at William & Mary. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check out the embedded video below...

Once you viewed the video, be sure to log on to www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay and show your support for our FIFA World Cup Bid to be a host city in the years 2018 or 2022! That's all for now, but enjoy the video and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Landon Donovan & Bob Bradley

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

MOSI July Calendar of Events!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello Tampa Bay! Julian here with the July line-up of events from our friends at MOSI... there's some exciting stuff going on there, so check it out:

Friday, July 2
IMAX Legends of Flight Opens
Search aviation history for the ultimate flying experience with some of today’s greatest pilots. Learn how the airplanes of the 20th century helped influence the radical new design of 21st century aircraft. See how high tech manufacturers around the world use modern technology to coordinate the design and construction of new aircraft. Fly in the cockpit with chief test pilot Mike Carriker as he takes the new 787 Dreamliner on its first test flight. Visit www.mosi.org for showtimes.

Friday, July 9
CSI: Tampa A Spattering of Deceit
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Apply science to the challenge of cracking a case. Gather evidence from a crime scene, and discover how fingerprints, hair and fiber samples, a drop of blood, or a footprint can connect a suspect to a crime. Analyze clues from the crime scene, and use DNA fingerprinting to help you in your criminal investigation. Explore actual and fictional case studies from TV programs such as CSI and Cold Case Files.
MOSI Member: $30 per person
Nonmember: $40 per person

Saturday, July 10
KIC 5th Birthday Party
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join MOSI for a birthday bash honoring the largest children’s science center in the nation! For five years, Kids In Charge! has been emphasizing the value of learning through play. This year’s birthday party celebrates the five senses in true MOSI style – by making science real. Come out and enjoy a day of fun including children’s activities, delicious food, and science demonstrations. Event is FREE with paid MOSI admission and FREE to MOSI Members.

Sounds like awesome fun to me! Have a great day out at MOSI... Come back soon for more updates and news about the World Cup in USA, and Tampa Bay Emergency Information!

MOSI CELEBRATES NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH WITH BLUE BELL ICE CREAM!

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello folks... Julian back here. This time it is all about ice cream: Guests of Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) on Saturday, July 17, will enjoy a cool treat again this year in honor of National Ice Cream Month. Blue Bell Ice Cream will be serving ice cream samples, free with MOSI admission (while supplies last), from 11am to 2pm in the Grand Lobby.

As they enjoy their ice cream, guests will observe MOSI’s InterActors demonstrate the Science of Freezing with their Cryo freezing demonstration, using liquid nitrogen.

The newest flavor to join the Blue Bell family, Caramel Kettle Crunch, will be featured. This creation combines the slightly sweet, slightly salty crunch of “kettle corn” with creamy ice cream and a silky caramel swirl. For those who prefer something more traditional, Blue Bell’s most popular ice cream, Homemade Vanilla, will also be available.

For more information call 813-987-6000 or go to www.mosi.org and click on “What’s Happening.” MOSI is located in at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., across from the USF Sun Dome. And of course, check back soon for more stuff about our US Soccer Team and the FIFA World Cup USA!

Tampa Bay Moves to Top 10 For World Cup Votes... #GoUSABid #Tampa

Monday, June 21, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hey guys, Jerm here with an update on the USA's FIFA World Cup Bid! The heat is on for the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, and Tampa Bay has made a move.

Of 18 potential host cities throughout the United States who are vying for signatures for the World Cup petition, Tampa Bay has moved to No. 6 with 24,431 votes. But more help is needed!

There are still plenty of ways to cast your vote for Tampa Bay, and a goal of 50,000 votes is still set:

Go to www.GoUSABid.com/Tampa and sign the online petition to support the bid,
Go back and enter your other e-mails, then
Text TampaBay to 22442 to cast your vote in support of our bid.
Repeat this step as many times as you'd like...standard data and messaging rates may apply (but go crazy if you have an unlimited text plan).

Then we need your help in spreading the news about the petition to friends, family, colleagues, coworkers, employees, soccer fans and others. Let everyone in Tampa Bay, and beyond, know about the petition and how important it is to our area.

Stay tuned in for more World Cup United States related news from your Tampa Bay team!

Jerm's Match Report USA vs Slovenia... #WorldCup #Tampa #GoUSABid

Friday, June 18, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I am an emotional wreck! What a game that was, and we almost had it if not for a dubious call from the officiating crew. As upset as I am about the call, I want this blog to focus on the great game!

It was definitely not the desired outcome for the USA going into halftime as they walked into the locker room down 2-0 in a first half completely dominated by the Slovenians. First half goals by Zlatan Ljubijankic and Valter Birsa, had USA fans with their heads in hands and thinking it would be a long day.

Bradley Scores the Equalizer. Image Courtesy
of FIFA.com

But I guess Coach Bradley lit a fire under the team at halftime as they came back out firing with Landing Donovan pulling a goal back in around the 49th minute.

We took the initiative in the second half and were able to fight back with an 82nd minute Michale Bradley goal that tied the game up at 2-2, at which point I think I may screamed so loud that the entire office hear me!

I think we all have our own feelings about the disallowed goal at the end, but lets not let that overshadow the great effort and grit it takes to fight back from a 2-0 deficit and almost take the game!

Major pat on the back to Coach Bradley, his staff and the US team for a great fightback. I think we all realized how emotional and great this game is by watching today's match. I actually saw a guy in the stadium with a face full of tears when the US equalized and that about sums up World Cup Soccer!

I can only imagine what it would be like to witness that kind of emotion first hand, and to think there is a chance we here in the USA as well as Tampa could potentially be World Cup 2018 Host, or possibly even host the games in 2022! The only way that is going to happen is if we all go to www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay and show our support for the USA Bid by signing the on line petition!

Oh well, guys, have a great rest of the day and be sure to check back for more FIFA World Cup soccer news from Jerm and the rest of the Tampa Bay team!

Get Your Go USA Bid Tampa Bay T-Shirt... #GoUSABid #Tampa

Monday, June 14, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey guys, jerm here with a USA related FIFA World Cup Bid update for you on how you can support our efforts even more!

Last week I wrote a post about the USA Bid Committee updating their website and all of the new features. If you missed that post, first off, shame on you, and secondly here is the post so you can get caught up.

Now, in addition to going on line signing the petition, and also sending a text message to show your support, you can now order yourself some Go USA Bid "Swag" gear from the website!

I just ordered mine, so you should follow suit and go to the website and get yours as well!

Show your support for the game in the USA and Tampa Bay. I don't know about you guys, but I'd like to see the world's ultimate soccer tournament to come to Tampa in 2018/2022.

That's all for now folks, but stay tuned in for 2018 FIFA World Cup Bid updates from us as well as updates with the 2022 World Cup Bid!

Opening Weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for the #USMNT... #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Monday, June 14, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello there all of my soccer fanatic friends! Boy what a weekend it was for the world as after it seems like FOREVER, the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicked off in South Africa!

Now you guys know that Jerm is a huge soccer fan, having played the game since I was 9 years old, so I have been waiting for this for a very long time. Not just for sporting reasons either, as you could imagine, but also for the significance of the game being held on the African continent for the first time in the tournaments history!

For many people in the USA, the game that we were all anticipating the most was the USA vs England Group C match to be held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg S. Africa. Plenty of reasons for fans to be pumped about this match, with the most notable having been that the last time we played England in the World Cup was back in 1950 when a squad of American amateurs walked away with a 1-0 victory over one of the world's then super power of soccer!

Image
courtesy of © Joe Toth/isiphotos.com

In front of a crowd of just over 38,000 fans, the majority of which seem to be pulling the the Three Lions, the American team earned a hard fought draw over one of the teams many have picked to win the tournament!

Of the many talking points you will hear about this game, the one that won't be going away anytime soon will be the once in a lifetime error by England net-minder Robert Green. Green fumbled what was thought to be a routine save on a Clint Dempsey shot from just outside the box. This leveled the score at 1-1 canceling out a Steven Gerrard goal four minutes into the game.

From my view, it was a hard fought game with chances created by both sides, but in the end the play of the goalkeepers played a significant role in the outcome, with USA goalkeeper Tim Howard making a number of key saves, while his counterpart in the English net didn't have as good a performance.

Goalkeeping errors seemed to be a theme in this group however as Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi had his own issues in coming up with a tame effort from Slovenian Robert Koren from just outside the box. The results from this weekend leave the Slovenian team in pole position in group see with the full three points, followed by England and USA locked up at second place with Algeria at the bottom of the group.

The USA's World Cup will continue play on Friday (June 18) vs Slovenia at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, and then on June 23 against Algeria in Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. England will play Algeria this Friday as well.

It doesn't get much more exciting than this folks! Or can it? Imagine what it would be like for the Tampa Bay area to host a FIFA World Cup game, or possibly even 3-5 of those games. Well that is a real possibly as the USA is one of a host of countries vying to be the FIFA World Cup 2018 host countries or possibly the 2022 games!

We will find out this December 2 if that is the case, but in the mean time, we need everyone to show their support for our bid and go to www.GoUSABid.com/Tampa!

That's all I got for now, but be sure to check back early and often for more updates and FIFA World Cup soccer news from jerm and the Tampa Bay team of bloggers!

New Website Launch for USA FIFA World Cup Bid... #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Friday, June 11, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello soccer fans! Fresh off of watching the opening game for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Jerm is here with an update for ya!

The USA Bid Committee just recently re-launched their website! Its got a ton more features now, allot of which have to do with the games going on in South Africa right now! Here are just a few of the new features that I noticed:

Upcoming game schedule for all matches
Team pages
latest news and photos about the S. Africa games
Twitter feeds and updates
Photo sharing uploads from watch parties

I am sure there are plenty of other features on the new site you can take advantage, so be sure to go and check it out for yourself at www.GoUSABid.com! While your there, please do not forget to show your support for Tampa Bay's FIFA World Cup Bid!

Also, to vote for Tampa Bay to host the World Cup, text TAMPABAY to 22442 (message and data rates apply). Then, spread the word to friends, family, colleagues, coworkers and others to let them know how important this is to our destination!

That's it for now folks, so stay tuned in for more USA World Cup Bid updates from Jerm and the rest of the crew!

Here are Some Weekend Tampa Bay Area Events for Ya!!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here, with some information on events happening around the Bay Area this weekend:

1. Trike-N-Roll for Christians Fight- June 12, 2010
Christian's Fight, supported by the Greater Florida Chapter of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) and event sponsors, invites you to participate in the “Trike-N-Roll.” The goal of the event is to raise awareness and money for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) research, education and advocacy, along with funds for the care and medical needs of Christian Cuadrado, Type 2 SMA. The Trike-N-Roll will feature three sponsored races on a marked course for different age groups (2-5, 6-9, and 10-12 years). Prizes will be awarded for first place finisher in each age group as well as to the child that collects the most donations overall. To request an entry packet, interested families should contact Shirley Yearwood at 813-426-7318 or christiansfight@yahoo.com.

Packets, which will be mailed, include entry forms and sponsorship information. A $20 minimum donation is requested per adult and $5 per participating child who pre-register, and sponsorships are encouraged. The registration fee will increase by $5 on the day of the event.
This event takes place at Edward Medard Par, 5737 Turkey Creek- Shelter 8, Plant City, Fl. 33567 from 10:00a.m- 2:00 p.m.

2. Charity Poker Tournament to Benefit Quantum Leap Farm - June 12, 2010
No Limit Texas Hold’em Charity Poker Tournament to benefit our therapeutic horseback riding programs for Wounded Warriors and disabled civilian adults. The tournament will take place at at Tampa Bay Downs in the Silk Room on Saturday, June 12th at 3:00 p.m. For non-players the following sponsorships are available: $100 per table or $1,000 for Tournament Sponsor. The deadline to RSVP for Quantum Leap Farm’s Charity Poker Tourn ament is June 5th . To secure your seat, please contact maryqlf@verizon.net, or 813-920-9250. To learn more about Quantum Leap Farm please visit us at www.quantumleapfarm.org 50/50 split for prize pool and Charity. $3,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool with 100 minimum players required.

3. SCHOOLS OUT ROCK OUT! - June 12,2010
An all-ages School's Out Rock Out is set for June 12 at The State Theatre, 687 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. Performances by Mr. Bella, Fall of Envy, Perfect Flaw, and Her Name is Victory. Admission is $8. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or daddykool.com Check out MRBELLA.COM for more info!

4. Small Dog Rescue Adoptathon - June 12, 2010
We have several amazing dogs awaiting adoption for their forever homes. We have pure breeds to mix breeds and all of our dogs are 5 pounds or small full grown. Everyone is current on all vaccines and altered when adopted. This is located at 563 25th, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

5. Sudsfest 2010 at the Florida Aquarium – June 12, 2010
Join the fun and sample over 35 different craft beers and endless delicious food. All capped off with dazzling Aquarium exhibits and live music. Sponsored by Pepin Distributing, Inc and tbt*. This event is located at the Florida Aquarium- 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 from 8p.m.-12a.m. Admission is $50 per ticket- $60 at the door.

6. 2010 Charity Fan Fest : USA Vs. England- June 12, 2010
The Marsh Group, EJJE you the World Cup Fan Fest experience this summer right here in South Tampa.
During selected World Cup games our parking lot will be transformed into a mini soccer arena which will provide an opportunity for people to watch the games in a festival environment and will also provide an opportunity for small businesses and EJJE Soccer Academy our selected charity to benefit from these events. This event is located at MacDintion’ s Irish Pub & Restaurant on 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606 from 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. there will be a $10 cover per day per person- includes entry into Fan Fest experience and three complimentary food or drink items.

7.Tampa Bay Rowdies Vs. Montreal – June 12, 2010
Location: New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field

8. A Special Engagement Sneak Preview of SERIOUSLY SINATRA - June 11-13, 2010
"A Special Engagement Sneak Preview of SERIOUSLY SINATRA, a tribute concert"
Presented by the Carrollwood CUltural Center in association with the Salerno Theater. Join The Salerno Theatre Co's top talent as we celebrate the life and extraordinary achievements of celebrated artist.

Friday, June 11 at 8 pm
Saturday, June 12 at 8 pm
Sunday, June 13 at 3 pm
Admission: $15 for CCC members, $20 for non-members, $18 for seniors 65 and older.tre Co.

9. Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival - June 12- 13, 2010
Reggaeton Superstar-Daddy Yankee, Reggae Artist-Shaggy, Queen of Soca-Allison Hinds, the Haitian Sensation Band – Carimi and More Will Ignite the Caribbean Culture at Vinoy Park (501 5th Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701) on June 12th-13th. The carnival will also feature a steel drum competition, lively “mas” costume parade, several authentic Caribbean/Latin food, beverage and product vendors. This year promoters expect nearly 30,000 for the two day event compared to the 23,000 from last year’s event. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival will kick off at noon on Saturday, June 12th and culminate on Sunday, June 13th at 10pm. More details and tickets are available at www.tampacarnival.com or 813.334.3710. Proceeds benefit the Haitian Association Foundation of Tampa Bay. Admission is $20- $110.

10. Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage - June 12- July 3, 2010
Now, at the brand new, laugh-out-loud comedy, MISS ABIGAIL’S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, AND MARRIAGE, you’ll learn how to find and keep your perfect mate by listening to relationship guru Miss Abigail’s classic romance advice from yesteryear. It’s like Late Nite Catechism, but about love!
Let Miss Abigail take you back to a simpler time ... when the divorce rate wasn’t 50% and when fidelity was more than an investment firm! During this 90-minute comedy, Miss A will teach you howto have the perfect kiss, what you should (and should not) talk about on a date, and how to let a man think he wears the pants. This commedy is being held at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly TBPAC on 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. Admission starts at $ 29.50.

GameWorks is Back and Open For Business!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey guys, Jerm here with an update for you and a bit of good news! Not sure if you were paying attention to the local news a few weeks back, but you may have heard that one of our favorite places GameWorks in Ybor City had shut its doors. It happened so quick, it took Jerm and everyone else by surprise and we were hoping they would bounce back soon!

Well no worries on that front, as they recently re-opened the doors and are back with a bang and open for business! I had the opportunity to stop by last week and sample the new games, and you know with me being the nerd that I am, I could have easily spent a few hours in that place!

They have some of your old favorite games, in addition to a few new things you haven't seen before with new games arriving weekly!

If you need a more grown-up feel and want to go out with your friends and get a few games of pool in while watching the big game on TV, feel free to do that as well.

As a matter of fact, I would suggest going and spending a ton of time there this month with the World Cup starting up this Friday! More tv's, same great food and bar makes a great atmosphere to watch the USA Group C matches!

Speaking of food, did I mention that the food in this joint is top class. I had the chance to try a few items the other day that I hadn't had before, and I couldn't walk afterward I was so full. Believe me when I tell you that when you go by there you have to try out the BBQ Chicken pizza as well as the blackened chicken fettuccine pasta!

So stop by GameWorks folks as they are open for business and ready to serve you! You will definitely see me down there watching some of the games (if not all of them).

That's it for now, but make sure you go and check them out and stay tuned in for more things to do in Tampa Bay!