People travel the world for many reasons – to experience different cultures, visit historical sights, dine on local delicacies and even to take in a live performance from their favoured musician or sports team, alongside enjoying the delights of the area.
If you’re a sports fans then one country that makes a true spectacle of this is the USA, and those with a love of American football will be in their element here with the top-of-the-range stadiums, facilities, food and experiences to be had alongside the action taking place on the field. Taking in a game won’t be the only reason you’ve travelled so far, of course, and so it’s important to choose a place where you can get the best out of your holiday besides experiencing a game in person.
One such place is Tampa Bay, a natural harbour described as the hip, urban heart of Florida’s west coast. Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team who won the Superbowl in 2003 and most recently in 2021, a great success compared to their lacklustre early years, it’s safe to say that the spotlight has been shining on the team since their latest big win.
If you’re an American football fan and you’d love to combine a trip to Raymond James Stadium with a visit to the area then you’ll no doubt be keen to keep up with the Buccaneers upcoming odds if you like to enjoy a flutter while watching the action unfold on the field.
A visit to Tampa Bay offers a wonderful opportunity to combine an experience watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in person, while staying in a part of the world known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back nature, tropical weather and more. If you’re planning a trip then read on for all the ways you can do this in style.
What to do
When heading to the stadium for the game, you’ll be far more excited if you’ve booked yourself into one of the luxury hospitality suites for the day. Part of a new multimillion-dollar renovation project, these private suites offer luxurious finishes, seats with a fantastic view of the action and delicious dining and drinking options.
After the big game is done it’s time to head out and explore the stunning natural surroundings that Tampa Bay offers alongside its urban attractions and shopping and dining experiences. Families will love the Glazer Children’s Museum and Museum of Science with their interactive exhibits; The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, when they want to get close to the natural world; and Busch Gardens for its thrilling roller-coaster rides for adventure seekers.
In addition to a fantastic selection of shops, parks, restaurants and hotels in the pedestrian-only Tampa Riverwalk, visitors can enjoy a sightseeing cruise in the bay, explore the open-air food hall at Sparkman Wharf, dance the night away at Edge Rooftop Bar or Ciro’s Tampa, or head to the upmarket Hyde Park neighbourhood for boutique shopping, spa trips and drinks.
There’s also plenty of history to seek out, too, for this is the place known as ‘cigar city’ due to its history with the cigar industry, which gave the area a significant boost, producing up to 500 million cigars at its peak. Cuban masters still hand-roll some of the world’s finest cigars in Ybor City. Head to 7th Avenue to see this in action, before heading to Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant, which offers authentic Cuban dining.
Where to stay
After all the sightseeing, exploring and game days are done, you’ll need a welcoming place to base yourself and indulge in some fine dining, spa treatments and downtime in your stylish hotel suite.
Head to the highly rated Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and make use of the outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness centre, while Tampa Marriott Water Street offers similar facilities in a stylish setting. Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, Hotel Haya, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, ROOST Tampa, and The Westin Tampa Waterside all offer inviting places to relax after long days out and about around Tampa Bay.
Where to dine
Depending on what fare you like to dine on, you’ll be in for a treat with Tampa Bay’s dining scene. As mentioned, Columbia Restaurant is a top pick, while Oystercatchers (for seafood with bay views), Ulele, Datz, J. Alexander’s Restaurant, Seasons 52, On Swann, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Rooster and the Till, and Haven are just some of the restaurants that will delight.
