Take a look or take part – Action in Tampa
Sweat, marvel, cheer
Tanned skin, defined muscles, not much fabric – the beaches are the prime places for people to show off their bodies in Florida. The people love their sports and they love to show it – either by actually doing sports and riding the Gulf of Mexico’s waves, or by proudly showing off what they look like as a result as they sunbathe or go for a run. Tampa is especially popular for its successful sports teams, be it football, ice hockey, or baseball. The city will show you how it is done and you as visitors can join in. Despite the subtropical climate, there is no reason not to get moving – or to at least watch a suitable match as you sip a cool drink.
Visit the stars
The Raymond James Stadium is the home ground of the pro NFL American football team Tampa Bay Buccaneers: the playing field is lush green, the stands are bright red, the roof is open, and there are huge screens on either side. Those who fancy experiencing American sportsmanship at its best during a holiday should be sure to watch a game there. The season usually starts in September. Tampa has already hosted the Super Bowl, which is the NFL final, five times. But Tampa has something to offer baseball fans, too: the George M. Steinbrenner Field is not only the home of the ‘farm team’ Tampa Tarpons, but also the spring training ground for the ‘big boys’ – the New York Yankees.
How about a cycle?
Along downtown Tampa’s waterfront, you can experience Tampa Riverwalk. This 4.2 km path runs through the heart of downtown offering stunning views of the shimmering Hillsborough River. You can cycle along the pathway and see downtown Tampa from a fresh perspective. If you’re looking for more adventure, take on over 32 km of high-speed single-track and kilometers of other terrains for mountain biking at Alafia River State Park. Just a little way to the east of Tampa, you can discover Tarpon Springs. The starting point of the Pinellas Trail is a 60-kilometer cycling trail to St. Petersburg. You cycle along the coast through picturesque southern towns and past many a park and river.
Sparkling strikes
Those who fancy something a little more quirky can show off their skills at Topgolf in Tampa. Topgolf is a cross between a golf course and a bowling alley with gaudy neon signs, entertainment, and extremely colourful cocktails. As it gets dark in Tampa, the colourful miniature golf courses light up and the lights move in time to the DJ’s bass beats. You can play one of the courses with up to six people and prices range from 27 to 47 US dollars per hour depending on the time of day. Those who want to hone their skills for their next visit can even take 1-to-1 lessons, with a coaching session to help you become a top-class golfer costing 89 US dollars.
On the ice: the pride of the city
Fancy cooling off a bit – maybe in an arena? But are you worried that the sunny south might not be the best place to watch first rate ice hockey? Well, you are way off the mark there: Florida’s NHL team, Tampa Bay Lightning, won the coveted championship trophy, the Stanley Cup, in both 2020 and 2021. Celebrated and driven by up to 19,500 spectators at their Amalie Arena, the team always impresses with its enthusiasm and technical abilities. The main NHL season is usually from October to April and followed by the play-offs.
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