TAMPA, Fla. – Get ready, Tampa, because the city is about to get very crowded. Local officials are warning residents and visitors to prepare for a jam-packed weekend starting Friday, January 30, as a massive lineup of concerts, comedy shows, and the legendary Gasparilla festivities take over downtown.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to flood the streets, you should count on heavy traffic, almost no street parking, and crowds walking everywhere.
The action starts on Friday evening. The Tampa Convention Center will host the Rough Riders event at 5 p.m., while sports fans can catch the Tampa Bay Sun game at Riverfront Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
If you are looking for a laugh, comedian Bert Kreischer takes the stage at the Benchmark International Arena at 7 p.m. There are also multiple shows at the Straz Center scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., meaning downtown will be buzzing with activity long before the weekend officially begins.
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Saturday, January 31, brings the main event everyone has been waiting for. The day starts with the Eventfest-Gasparilla Brunch at 10 a.m. at the Convention Center, followed by the massive Gasparilla Pirate Fest along Bayshore Boulevard at 2 p.m. Once the parade winds down, the music heats up with the Kings of Leon playing at the Benchmark International Arena at 8 p.m., plus another 7:30 p.m. show at the Straz.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, February 1, with a major sporting event. The NHL Stadium Series will drop the puck at Raymond James Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Because there is so much going on, the city is strongly suggesting that people leave their cars at home. Instead, try using the free TECO Line Streetcar, DASH service, HART buses, or ride-sharing apps. Rentable scooters and bikes are also good options to get around the gridlock.
With so many people walking around—especially during the pirate festivities—drivers need to be extra careful. Officials are reminding everyone to stay alert and follow the golden rule of safety: if you see something, say something.
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