Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and Tampa is working hard to make sure there are plenty of opportunities to make Mom feel special. Here are a few ideas on how to make this Mother’s Day unforgettable!

Boing! - Let Mom be a kid again at Tampa’s Boing! trampoline center! This Sunday, May 12, Moms will jump free with a child’s paid admission. The jump center is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and is located at 622-624 Ware Blvd., Tampa.

Tampa Bay History Center  - The Tampa Bay History Center will celebrate Mother’s Day with free admission for Moms with one paid admission on Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The history center features several galleries, interactive exhibits and exciting activities the whole family can enjoy. Treat Mom to a fun family day while learning about our city’s rich history! Located at 801 Old Water St. Tampa, FL.

Downtown Arts and Entertainment Pass - For only $30, take Mom on a special tour of downtown Tampa that includes:

• The Florida Museum of Photographic Art
• Henry B. Plant Museum at University of Tampa
• Tampa Bay History Center
• The Tampa Theatre 
• Companion Ride on the TECO Line Streetcar 
• Appetizers, salads, cocktails, coffee, desserts and more at downtown restaurants and cafes

Available for purchase at any of the above listed locations.

Mothers Day Dolphin Tour  - Make Mother’s Day a family adventure she’ll never forget and take her on a dolphin tour with The Tampa Water Taxi Company! Tours are just $25 a person, with a 20% discount on groups of six or more. Make Mother’s Day a family adventure she’ll never forget with Tampa Water Taxi Company! Tours run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and reservations are suggested. Call Captain Larry at 888-665-8687. Located at 200 N Ashley Dr., Tampa.

Henry B. Plant Museum - The Henry B. Plant Museum will open its doors free of charge to all Mothers this Sunday, May 12. Give Mom the grand tour of Henry B. Plant’s opulent Tampa Bay Hotel which hosted such famous guests as Teddy Roosevelt, Sarah Bernhardt, and Babe Ruth. Authentically restored and perfectly finished, this hotel turned museum takes you back in time for a one-of-a-kind historical experience. The museum is open Sunday from noon – 4 p.m and is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. on the University of Tampa Campus.

The Florida Aquarium - This Mother’s Day weekend May 11-12, treat Mom to an undersea adventure at The Florida Aquarium, where she can meet over 20,000 amazing sea creatures for free with one paid admission! Open from 9:30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. The aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo - Is Mom an animal lover? Moms along with the whole family are invited to come see the wild world of Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo.  With one paid child’s combo admission, Mom gets in free to see over 1500 animals in their diverse and lush habitats. Combo tickets are $24.95 plus $4 for DinoQuest2. Lowry Park Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is located at 1101 West Sligh Ave., Tampa.

Don’t Forget the Flowers!! - What Mother’s Day would be complete without a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers? Surprise Mom on Mother’s day with a one-of-a-kind bouquet from Buds, Blooms & Beyond! Ask Mom about her favorite color, flower and candle scent to create a perfect bouquet!

Contact Buds, Blooms & Beyond at (813) 818-9600 to order.

The American Invitational horse jumping event is returning to Tampa Bay on this Saturday, April 6 at Raymond James Stadium. The only horse jumping event large enough to take place inside an NFL stadium, the American Invitational jumping competition consists of the top 30 riders in the league.

For those kids who enjoy jumping, there’s a Just World International Horseless show before the event (at 4 p.m.) with a special arena set up for kids to jump over a miniature Grand Prix course (minus the horse). Kids can also visit the free pony rides, face painters, balloon artist, and petting zoo courtesy of Radio Disney.

For pre-show entertainment, don’t miss the concert by Halcyon on the field during the course walk at 6 p.m. The opening ceremonies and a tribute to America’s Heroes with a performance by Eclipse will start at 7 p.m.

Did You Know?

American Invitational Jumpers have battled in Tampa for the past 41 years and at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since the creation of the football team in 1976. The first American Invitational was held in the old ‘sombrero’ Tampa Stadium in 1973. 

For full schedule and event ticket information, visit the Raymond James Stadium website.

Happy Monday, Tampa Bay!

Want to win tickets to see @kennychesney LIVE at @rjstadium ?! Today's your lucky day! Enter to win here on.fb.me/Z9ZFXT #TampaBay

— Tampa Bay Sports (@SportsTampaBay) March 4, 2013

Please join me in supporting Mother Ocean and Expedition Florida 500 (XF500) this weekend to support Tampa Bay’s waterways and coastline by attending one of their upcoming events (see attached). 

XF500 is a modern-day exploration of Florida’s coastline, waterways, and aquatic ecosystem as seen through the eyes of the waterman. 2013 is Florida’s 500th anniversary since Ponce de Leon landed on Florida's coastline back in 1513; in celebration of this momentous occasion, organizations will unite to embark on a yearlong journey combining the best of exploration, adventure, stewardship, science, and sport into a package that will include the full gamut of the waterman’s lifestyle.  The expedition’s primary goal is to highlight the importance of stewardship efforts as they relate to the ocean, coastlines, waterways, and the marine ecosystem. Florida is unique in that it embodies the entire aquatic ecosystem from source to sea – one of the few places on Earth with such a vast array of thriving wildlife and a natural environment based around water.

XF500’s waterman Justin Riney will be in the Tampa Bay area this weekend and is seeking support from our community to attend the events and stand up for Florida’s waters!   There is an Ocean Hour Clean Up on Saturday, March 2nd from 9-10am at Weedon Island Preserve followed by Archaeology Day with Team XF500 also at Weedon Island.  On Sunday, March 3rd at 3:30pm, you can join Team XF500 for a paddle from Davis Islands Basin.  At 4:30pm on Sunday, the flotilla of paddlers will make a grand entrance to the Florida Wildlife Corridor film premiere at the Tampa Bay History Center featuring Tampa Bay’s very own Carlton Ward Jr.  If you are unable to paddle, please come to Cotanchobee Park at 4:30pm to meet Team XF500 before the Florida Wildlife Corridor premiere. 

Hope you’re able to join XF500 for this great cause and please help spread the word! 
 

Are you looking for a FREE and festive event in Tampa Bay?

We’ve got exactly what you want so come on out and celebrate Ybor City’s legacy at Fiesta Day! Fiesta Day began as a “verbena” or day of rest for the immigrant cigar workers who settled in Ybor City from Spain, Cuba and Italy. Marking its 66^th year, Fiesta Day takes place on Saturday, Feb. 23 in Tampa Bay’s very own historic Latin quarter, Ybor City. The festivities including cultural exhibits and entertainment, starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

Make sure you come hungry because this event is sure to keep you full and your taste buds satisfied! Lined along Ybor City’s famed Seventh Ave., you can purchase ethnic dishes from a variety of street vendors and also sample “gourmet street food” from various Ybor City restaurants. The kids will enjoy interactive displays by LEGOLand® Florida and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Once you’ve had your fill of delicious bites, burn off those calories as you make your way to the Maxima Stage for great live entertainment. Show off your best moves while you listen to musical artists Sol Caribe, La Calle and Flamenco guitarist Nathan Herrera!

Fiesta Day has something for everyone all in one beautiful, historical setting – Ybor City. Get a taste of authentic, local flavor and spend the day celebrating the history of Tampa Bay’s heritage.

For more on Fiesta Day visit their website: http://www.ybor.org/node/1514

Hey there hockey fans! Jerm here with a lovely hockey bay Tampa Bay post for you on Valentines Day! What better way for you to spend this day with your significant other than to go watch the Tampa Bay Lightning kick some Capital tail!

Even better than just watching the game, the first 1,000 Facebook or FourSquare check-ins tonight get a Bolts-themed, Valentine’s Day cupcake! Now that is a sweet deal if I have heard one!

The Bolts look to bounce back after a tough recent overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, so be sure to come out support the guys! You may even end up on the kiss cam tonight! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay Sports!
 

Ahoy Mateys! Kat here with some fashion tips for my local Buccaneers and Wenches so listen up...

This weekend pirates will invade Tampa Bay in search of all kinds of treasures.  Whether you are an Old Salt (experienced sailor) or a first time Seadog at the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion, Hyde Park Village shops in South Tampa have put together some trendy garbs from some of their favorite stores to insure you are the most stylish Scallywag on Bayshore Boulevard this weekend.

For the Buccaneers:

Shiver me timbers, sunglasses are a MUST!

Fashionable swashbucklers stick to a three-color pirate palette: red, black and stripes!  Sail away with your favorite looks for the season and expect some really great discounts at Brooks Brothers who are having a huge sale until January 31.

For the Wenches:

Blimey, if you could take one piece of clothing advice, this one is the most important… leave the heels at home, stick to flats or boots.  You wouldn’t believe how many wenches are ready to walk the plank by Noon!  Check out Francesca’s Collections for fabulous flats and trendy shades.

Make sure you carry a cute purse/messenger bag big enough to bear your booty.  Over the shoulder bags work best and are easiest to keep up with especially after too much rum.  Anthropologie offers all wenches one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted riches.

A pirate’s jewelry should show off the best of their treasures!

As far as jewelry, the most fashionable wenches always wear cute skull and cross-bone accessories. Check out Juxtapose Apparel and Studio for skull scarves, arm candy and earrings! Buy more than one bracelet and stack them up.  Classic pirates usually wear only one single gold hoop earring, but a pair of gold hoops will also work!  Think BIG, gaudy, fun…. be BOLD, be a show-off and be fabulous!

Stick to sun dresses or black pants and a stylish top.  The Poppy Boutique offers great dresses just like the featured striped dress with the bold red belt.  If you are a last minute landlubber and looking for a discount, TODAY is your last day to take 20% off of all Gasparilla items at The Poppy Boutique.

Now that you are shipshape, looks like you are ready to weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen for 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion!

Still looking for somewhere convenient and close to the Gasparilla parade route to park your vessel? For only $20 (cash only) you can park Saturday (starting at 8:30 a.m.) at any of three parking garages at Hyde Park Village.

W. Swann Ave. at S. Rome Ave., across from CineBistro

S. Oregon Ave. and W. Swann Ave., above Lifestyle Family Fitness

S. Rome Ave. and Snow Ave., next to Nature’s Table Café

Hello Tampa Bay!

Some breaking news on the TBSC front as the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Adventure Island are proud to announce their partnership to host the inaugural Tampa Bay Kids Triathlon on Saturday, March 9, at 7:00 a.m. Youth driven, the triathlon is divided into two divisions, junior varsity (ages 7-10) and varsity (ages 11-15) and will allow entrants to run, bike, and swim around Busch Gardens' water park!

This unique venture is also special because it will kickoff the 2013 Adventure Island season, before the park officially opens at 10:00 a.m. Addiitonally, participants will receive an Under Armour T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, as well as the opportunity to purchase an Adventure Island single day admission ticket at a $20 savings to be able to enjoy the park after the triathlon.

“We’re pleased to partner with Adventure Island to create one of the nation’s premier youth triathlons, the Tampa Bay Kids Triathlon,” said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the TBSC. “From the swim taking place in the park’s lazy river, Rambling Bayou, to the entertainment Adventure Island and Busch Gardens are providing on the course, this will be a truly unique event experience for all involved.”

Entry fees, course maps, parking directions and other critical information can be found at the registration website, www.TampaBayKidsTriathlon.com.

For more information on this exciting community event, please contact Claire Lessinger at CLessinger@VisitTampaBay.com.

Other Tampa Bay Area community projects can be found on TampaBaySports.org.

Also, be sure to follow the TBSC on each of their social media channels, including: Twitter (@sportstampabay), Facebook (TampaBaySportsCommission), Instagram (sportstampabay), and Tumblr (tbsportscommission). 

Celebrate African Heritage Heritage this week in Tampa Bay as the 2013 Tampa Bay Black Heritage officially kicks off tomorrow with events all over the Tampa Bay area!

This ten-day cultural event that features speakers, musicians, artists, poets and crafts people locally and nationally January 17, 2013 and will run through to January 26, 2013 with events at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area!

Each day of this ten-day experience provides all attendees with an opportunity to increase their awareness of African and African-American culture and history. Here are some of this weeks events that will be going on:

• Wednesday January 16, 2013 - USF MLK Lecture Series
• Thursday January 17, 2013 - Financial Seminar
• Thursday January 17, 2013 - Farming Family & Folk Art Exhibition Reception
• Friday January 18, 2013 - Heritage Gala
• Saturday January 19, 2013 - 5K Walk for Health
• Saturday January 19, 2013 - Old School Saturday
• Saturday January 19, 2013 - Let's Gooooo Skate Party
• Saturday January 20, 2013 - Gospel Jazz Sunday
• Saturday January 20, 2013 - Black Girls Rock Party
• Saturday January 20, 2013 - Plant City Leadership Breakfast

As you can see, plenty going on this week, so be sure to soak it up and enjoy the festivities. For more updates on the Tampa Bay Black Heritage festival be sure to check out our website!

Roosevelt Rowing Regatta
January 4, 5 & 6, 2013
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Downtown Tampa, Florida

An annual outdoor festival in downtown Tampa on the first Friday, Saturday & Sunday in January to watch the oldest intercollegiate sporting event, rowing races, on the Hillsborough River.
 

Download the Roosevelt Rowing Regatta event flyer here://cdn2.content.compendiumblog.com/uploads/user/d0acc5ee-5d24-48b9-a55a-f862314bfebd/a9e9cfb6-6147-4166-ab38-c3304a2033fa/File/0ccdc204f1aad9818962acf42639be1c/roosevelt_rowing_regatta_ad.jpg

FREE ADMISSION!
Reserve your Free Admission Today: http://rooseveltrowingregatta.eventbrite.com/

FRIDAY
6 PM - 9:30 PM
-Lantern Launching (no seafood)
-Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Trio

SATURDAY
10 AM - 4 PM
-Rowing Races (rain date is Sunday)
-Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Quartet

SUNDAY
Noon - 4 PM
-Paddle-board, Kayak Races & Dragon Boat Races
-Seafood Challenge Award
-Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Trio

Signature Seafood Offerings from:

Fountain Square Restaurant & Bar
Lobster Bisque $7
Bisque with butter-poached lobster medallions & tarragon drizzle

Hula Bay Bar & Grill
Seafood Ceviche $7
Fresh tropical citrus, jalapeno & avocado with shrimp, scallop & fish served with rice paper crisps

Lobster Pot
Original Seafood Chowder $6
36 year old recipe with a tender mix of seafood

Mangroves Bar & Grill
Crab Truffled Mac & Cheese $7
Jumbo lump crab mixed in orecchiette pasta

The Manhattan Dolce Bar & Bistro
Tequila Sunrise Coconut Scallops $7
Fried coconut scallops served on top of a tequila pineapple & mango salsa, topped with a Thai chili sauce

717 South Restaurant & Bar
Seafood Cippino $7
Mussels, shrimp, scallop, onions, portabella, basil, oregano, tomato & seafood broth with creamy polenta

Taps Restaurant & Bar
Spicy Hawaiian Shrimp Taco $4
Shrimp, daikon, avocado, cilantro, pineapple, red onion, chili sambol sauce, served cold

Timpano Chophouse & Martini Bar
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes $5
With roasted red pepper bearnaise, arugula, lemon confit

Wimauma Foods Restaurant & Wine Bar
Shrimp & Grits $7
Large Florida shrimp sautéed with tomato, basil, white wine & pork bark, served over old-school grits
Low-country Shrimp Boil

Food trucks
Picnic blankets available
Cash bars
Cigars
Games & ice skating

STEWARDS' ENCLOSURE PAID ADMISSION
(no refunds-please note rain dates)

FRIDAY
GLO from 6 PM - 9:30 PM (no seafood on Friday)
-$35 per person
-Children under 12 are free
-Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Duo
-Appetizers
-Cash bar
-Fashionable attire
Lanterns will be launched on the river to remember children who lost their lives and to honor those who survive. Proceeds to benefit the Children's Dream Fund.

SATURDAY
-$35 per person
-$75 per reserved riverside seat includes admission to Steward's Enclosure, continental brunch buffet & waiter service (rain date is Sunday for reserved seats)
-Children under 12 are free for a non-reserved seat
-Cash bar
-Hat contest
-Fashionable attire

SUNDAY
-$35 per person
-Children under 12 are free for a non-reserved seat
-Cash bar
-Fashionable attire

Prices will increase to $45 & $100 respectively on January 2 & at the door & no outside food or beverage may be brought into the park

Purchase admission: http://rooseveltrowingregatta.eventbrite.com/

A portion of the proceeds to benefit The Stewards Foundation
"To use the sport of rowing to teach teamwork & responsibility to young people"
www.RowTampa.com

For more information call (813) 251-0500 or visit
www.RooseveltRowingRegatta.com

You may also mail a check make payable to Roosevelt Rowing Regatta to 2108 West Southview Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33606-3106

Antiques Evaluations Saturdays

Many of us have followed the “Antiques Road Show” on television hoping to spot a familiar family heirloom worth enough money to change our lives. At the Henry B. Plant Museum we have our own “Antiques Road Show” called Antiques Evaluations Saturdays.  Seven Saturdays a year skilled appraisers donate their time to evaluate the community’s possessions.

Bring your favorite treasures to the Music Room in Plant Hall at The University of Tampa for a verbal evaluation. At 10 am on Saturday, January 5, local appraisers will be available to answer your questions.  Evaluation cost is $5.00 per item, which goes to the restoration and renovation of the museum.  There is a limit of four items per family. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis, and will be sold between 10 am and Noon.  If furniture is too large, bring a good photograph and a drawer or door from the piece, if possible. 

Afterwards you may visit the Museum for FREE.

Here is a video link to a short video describing what takes place at the Antiques Evaluations Saturdays: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9UkkNTom4

Some or all of the following appraisers will be present.

Nancy Hilbert–Collectibles

Jay Hunter Loiselle–American paintings, furniture and Americana

Ashby Moody–Maps, silver and documents

Frances Redell-White–Paintings, prints and art

Barbara Smith–Jewelry

Vicki Sopher-Decorative Arts

All proceeds benefit the Henry B. Plant Museum. Parking is available in the Faculty and Staff parking lot on the west side of Plant Hall.

The Henry Plant Museum interprets the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel and the lifestyles of America’s Gilded Age.  Critical to the success of this mission is the restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark, an opulent 1891 railroad resort, and the artifacts significant to its history, and the life and work of Henry Bradley Plant.  The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, noon to 5 pm.  Closed Monday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Admission is $10 per adult, $7 for seniors (65 yrs.), $7 for students and $5 for children 4 – 12 yrs.

Tampa Bay & Company partners with St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB for a Client Event in Denver!

Linda Mummert here with some exciting convention sales news!  Our own Amy Trautman, National Sales Manager with Tampa Bay & Company and Jill Brown, Meetings & Convention Sales Manager with the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB hosted a Bucs vs Broncos client event at the Sports Authority Field in Denver on December 2, 2012. 

Clients from both organizations attended the event along with Denise Allegra, Senior Sales Manager with the Tampa Marriott Hotel & Marina and D.T. Minich, Executive Director with the St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB.

Days following the event, Amy Trautman had several sales calls and appointments with clients to deliver current information about what the City of Tampa had to offer for potential convention business. The Denver client event and sales visits were a huge success!  Over and out for now, until next time for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

http://Www.twitter.com/tbtimesforumHey guys, Kat here to share with you some exciting Olympic sized fun on what’s happening tomorrow here in Tampa Bay!

Tomorrow, Tuesday October 24^th it's time to get "social"!  Two Olympic Gold Medalists will be making special appearances and participate in a social media “scavenger hunt” to promote the 2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions happening right here in Tampa Bay at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday, October 28th. 

McKayla Maroney, 2012 Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist and Jonathan Horton, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist will be making stops by five different Tampa Bay landmarks and taking photos.  Each picture will be sent out on social media outlets from @sportstampabay , @visittampabay , @tbtimesforum and other local social media outlets.  The first person to stop by each of the landmarks following the distribution of the picture will win a family 4-pack of tickets! 

Follow @visittampabay and @sportstampabay and @tbtimesforum on twitter and stay tuned tomorrow morning for the first chance to win tickets which will be around 9:30 a.m.

Information about the Kellogg’s^® Tour of Gymnastics Champions:

The Kellogg’s^® Tour of Gymnastics Champions is unlike any gymnastics tour ever produced, providing fans with a high-flying, dynamic experience that will celebrate the sports' beauty and skill. Bigger and better than ever, the show's format will pair elite gymnastics skill with modern performance art that will push the boundaries of athleticism and keep fans cheering for more. 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin will lead an impressive cast, including members of the men's and women's 2012 Olympic teams. And with performances by local gymnasts in each market, the Kellogg's Tour will highlight and celebrate the sport at every level.

Ticket Information:

Ticket prices for the October 28 Tampa Bay Times Forum show are $25.00, $35.00, $48.00, $75.00, $125.00 and $200.00 (service charges are not included) and may be purchased at the McDonald’s^® Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum and Ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000.  In recognition of Visa's long-time support of USA Gymnastics, Visa is the preferred method of payment.

For more info and tickets visit: www.TampaBayTimesForum.com

For more information on The Kellogg’s^® Tour of Gymnastics Champions visit: http://kelloggstour.com/

Stay tuned for more fun things to do in the “social scene” this week in Tampa Bay!

Cheers Tampa Bay!

Kat
klewis@visittampabay.com

Hey Tampa Bay - Hope you are ready for the 2012 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions coming to the Tampa Bay Times Forum this Sunday, October 28th! This show will feature a very impressive cast of gymnasts including members of the men's and women's 2012 Olympic teams.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum, along with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Tampa Bay & Company, will welcome Olympic medalists McKayla Maroney and Jonathan Horton tomorrow, October 24th for a all-day tour of iconic Tampa Bay destinations.

McKayla and Jonathan will stop by five different Tampa Bay landmarks and take a picture.  Each picture will then be sent out on local social media outlets.  The first person to stop by each of the landmarks following the distribution of the picture on social media will win a family 4-pack to the event.

For your chance to win, make sure to follow the accounts on Twitter:

Tampa Bay Times Forum - @TBTimesForum

Tampa Bay Sports Commission - @SportsTampaBay

Tampa Bay & Company - @VisitTampaBay

Until next time sports fans!

Helloo there soccer fans! Jerm here with some more exciting Tampa Bay Sports news about our local Tampa Bay Rowdies!

If you haven't heard, not only have the Rowdies kicked some tail this season and have made it all the way to the finals where they will travel to Minnesota for the first leg of the NASL Soccer Championship Series, after defeating Carolina on a 5-­‐4 aggregate score in the NASL Semifinals.

The Rowdies have been flying high all season long and head into this game on the backs of plenty of team and individual awards such as 2012 NASL Coach of the Year, NASL Fair Play Award, & NASL Best XI.

The 2nd leg of the series will be held at the friendly confines of Al Lang Stadium, where the Rowdies boast an 11 game unbeaten streak at home, as well as only having lost twice at home in two seasons under head coach Ricky Hill. So if you haven't already done so, be sure to get your tickets for this game as you could be there in person to witness history!

Tampa Bay leads the series in 2012 with two wins and one tie and one loss. Minnesota defeated
Tampa Bay in their only playoff meeting back in the 2011 NASL Quarterfinals, so the Rowdies will be looking for a little revenge to say the least!

The Rowdies will need the support of the entire Tampa Bay area so be sure to check in to the live broadcast tomorrow and cheer the guys on by following on Twitter! For highlights in previous games and to see how the Rowdies got here, be sure to check out the YouTube page as well!

One of America’s most-loved couples, Giuliana and Bill Rancic are coming to Tampa to give the USF Student Audience an enlightening and entertaining look at how to be successful in today’s fast-paced society!

Giuliana is an E! News reporter, fashion designer, and cancer survivor.

Bill is the winner of The Apprentice, as well as the author of "Beyond the Lemonade Stand."

Together, as a family, they faced the most difficult challenge of their lives, overcoming cancer.

Hosted by the student-run University Lecture Series, the Rancics will converse with a student interviewer and then answer questions posed from the audience.  There will be a book signing immediately following the lecture.

This event is FREE and open to the public and will be held in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom beginning at 8 p.m. (USF Students will get priority seating starting at 7:30 with Student ID).  Doors will open for the general public at 7:45 p.m.

For more information visit http://uls.usf.edu/ or call 813-974-3180

Stay tuned for more fun things to do this week in Tampa Bay!

Cheers!
Kat Lewis
klewis@visittampabay.com

Never been to the Tampa Bay History Center and always wanted to go?

Well, Saturday make plans to visit the beautiful 60,000 square foot History Center for FREE thanks to Smithsonian Magazine’s “Museum Day Live!”

Venture through 12,000 years of powerful stories about the first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, sports legends and even railroad tycoons and watch all the stories come to life as real life history reenactors interact with visitors in various galleries.

History Buffs,Tampa Natives and Visitors here are the details…

• Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Download an official Museum Day Live! Ticket from the Smithsonian Magazine website, which is good for 2 people HERE: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday

After, end your museum visit spend some time browsing through the eclectic Museum Store and then to wrap up your day may we suggest visiting Tampa’s signature Columbia Café for authentic Tampa cuisine and one of the best spots in Tampa Bay for waterfront dining.

Stay tuned for more things to do this weekend and next in Tampa Bay!

Cheers Tampa Bay!

Kat

For more information about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit:http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/

For more information about Smithsonian Magazine Day Live!, visit:www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday

More upcoming Tampa Bay Sports related events!

George M. Steinbrenner Wood Bay Classic – October 12-14, 2012 at Steinbrenner Field
Twenty-four teams from across the United States will compete in Tampa this October in the George M. Steinbrenner Wood Bat Classic. Teams are a composition of up and coming talent under the age of 18. This three day tournament will be hosted at George M. Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees’ Player Development Complex. Tickets can be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field box office. For schedule and game times, visit http://www.steinbrennerfield.com/woodbatclassic.html.

2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions – October 28, 2012 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum
Coming off the heels of incredible gymnastics performances at the 2012 Olympics, Tampa will welcome several members of the men’s and women’s Olympic teams, including the Fierce Five when the 2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions comes to the Tampa Bay Times Forum on October 28th. Also in attendance will be 2008 Olympic All Around Champion Nastia Liukin. The Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions will provide fans with a high-flying, dynamic experience that will celebrate the sports’ beauty and skill. Tickets are on sale now, at https://usagym.org/pages/events/tour/tickets.html.

Derrick Brooks Leadership Breakfast – November 7, 2012 at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore
Join Derrick Brooks Charities on November 7th from 7:30am-9:30am. Headlined by Keynote Speaker Tony Dungy, this special presentation will focus on Leadership, Integrity, and Community Service at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore. The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by visiting the Derrick Brooks Charities website at http://www.db55.org/ or by clicking http://derrickbrooksleadershipbreakfast.eventbrite.com/.

Hillsborough County High School Football All-Star Game – December 15, 2012 at Raymond James Stadium
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission welcomes you to witness the best high school football players in Hillsborough County. In this matchup, East meets West as the County’s best football athletes are invited to play on the same turf as their favorite collegiate and professional players. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm and tickets can be purchased at Raymond James Stadium ticket office beginning at 5:00pm on December 15th. For more updates as the All-Star game approaches, visit http://www.tampabaysports.org/.

For more info please visit www.TampaBaySports.org, or contact TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com!

Looking to get involved and some fun sports and community related events? Look no further! Check out these great volunteer opportunities with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission

Creative Loafing Beer Fest: The Art of Beer – September 22, 2012
This Annual Beer Fest will take place at the Tampa Museum of Art and feature more than 75 beers to sample with live entertainment by The Black Honkeys and The Distinguished Men of Brass. Volunteers are currently needed for beer pouring and various other tasks. Free food, t-shirts, parking, and other items will be provided for those individuals. If interested in volunteering, please email london.fajkus@creativeloafing.com with the subject titled “Beer Fest Volunteer” and please be sure to include your shirt size and shift preference (5:00pm-8:00pm OR 7:30pm-10:30pm).

Oktoberfest Tampa – October 12-14, 2012
This three-day festival is Tampa’s largest Oktoberfest celebration and is located along the banks of the Hillsborough River at Curtis Hixon Park. Volunteer at Oktoberfest Tampa and earn your way into the fest! There are many ways to participate on the Oktoberfest Tampa volunteer team. Positions are open to help out with Oktoberfest Games, Kids Zone, Bike Valet, ticket sales and admissions. More details are available on our volunteer sign-up link. If you're interested in helping out, simply click "I'll be there" for your preferred time session and leave your email address and we'll contact you right away: http://www2.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=oktoberfest_tampa_volunteers

Soccer for a Cure – November 9-11, 2012
Be a part of history and help make a difference. This special fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, will also attempt to break the world record of the longest soccer game ever played. Soccer for a Cure will take place at the BAYSL Soccer Complex at JC Handley Park in Brandon. Volunteers will be needed for various functions during the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please email: soccerforacure12@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.curemeso.org/soccer.

Game Day of Champions – December 15, 2012
The Game Day of Champions Football program provides Hillsborough County youth football teams a special opportunity to play on the same field as their favorite collegiate and professional athletes. This event will feature football teams and cheerleaders from local youth leagues, all of whom won their respective league championship. Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties including, but not limited to: team registration, team escorts to stadium positions, and event operations. Please contact Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com to sign up or for more information.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games – July 13-18, 2013
Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs presents the 33rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Tampa on July 13-18, 2013. More than 600 Veterans will compete in 17 sporting events over six days in the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world. If you are interested in volunteering for this great event, please contact Camilla Thompson at Camilla.Thompson@VA.gov or 813-972-2000 ext. 6580. You’ll be inspired! Help us to "Seize the Day in Tampa Bay"!

For more information or questions on these events, visit www.TampaBaySports.org, or contact Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com!

Hey there Tampa Bay Sports fans!

The unique, Racquet War Tennis Tournament is returning to Tampa September 7-9th for the third consecutive year.  In the past, the tournament was just the normal event for adults in the Saddlebrook Resort.

For $55.00, each player competes in a minimum of four matches over three days.  It’s ideal not only for the really serious, competitive players but also for those out to have more of a social tennis tournament. 

Racquet War was created by Robin and Oakley in 2009 as a company designed to organize and run special events and competitive tennis for adults. 

The company’s goal has become to coordinate high quality competition with well organized events while always striving to exceed the expectations of all of the participants.  “We focus very heavily on getting people on the court, if not early, on time for their matches. 

Be sure to check this great event, and stay tuned in for more sports related updates in Tampa Bay!