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Volume 2, Issue 3 - October 2006
In the News

St. Pete Times Forum to Drop the Puck Friday Night on the Lightning College Hockey Classic

 

The St. Pete Times Forum will play host to a four-team NCAA Division I hockey tournament, The Lightning College Hockey Classic, on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. This inaugural tournament, sponsored by the Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown, features Notre Dame, Army, Air Force, and the University of Alabama-Huntsville.  Notre Dame will serve as the host institution for the tournament, and the Fighting Irish are scheduled to play in the event for at least three years.

Both single and two-day tickets will be available for the tournament.  Notre Dame will match up against Army and Air Force will take on Alabama-Huntsville on Friday, October 27 with consolation and championship games being played on Saturday, October 28. Game times will be 5 and 8 pm each day. Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket holders and fans purchasing tickets for both nights will receive discounted pricing. 

"As we prepare to host the NCAA Frozen Four in 2012, we look forward to establishing a regular college hockey presence in Tampa Bay," said Ron Campbell, President of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the St. Pete Times Forum. "Ideally we will host the College Hockey Classic each year during the holiday season but I would like to thank Notre Dame, Army, Air Force and Alabama-Huntsville, host institution for our Frozen Four, for joining us this October."

"Also, we thank Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown for partnering with the Times Forum to bring college hockey to Tampa Bay. As a new property in the Channelside District and the headquarters hotel for the Lightning College Hockey Classic, the addition of Embassy Suites is a welcomed one for Tampa's downtown. We are excited to be working closely with Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown and its management in presenting this event."

Tickets for this event are on sale at the MCDONALD'S BOX OFFICE at the St. Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster Outlets including Spec's Music and FYE. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 813.287.8844 or 727.898.2100.

Single game prices are: $26.75, $21.75, $16.75, $11.75. Limited VIP Front Row seats available for $101.75 and $76.75. Special AFS Club packages available for $75.00 and includes your ticket to the game, unlimited gourmet buffet, beer, wine and soda.

Two-Day prices are: $43.50, $33.50, $23.50, $13.50. Limited VIP Front Row seats available for $193.50, and $143.50. AFS Club packages available for $150.00. Prices do not include service charges.

 

Gymnastics Becomes Next AAU Event to Call Tampa Home

                                                                 

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department have been awarded the 2007 AAU Age-Group National Gymnastics Championship.  This eveny is recognized as one of the largest women's championships in the country with more than 1,500 expected to compete in 2007.

"This announcement speaks volumes to the incredible efforts of our local gymnastics community," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.  "To be able to bring in a national event of this size and stature during a week when our hotels are traditionally less occupied is a huge coup for all involved."

The week-long event will kick off with a coaching seminar and athlete clinic on July 2 and 3, followed by a Parade of Champions and Family Fun Day on July 4.  The competition will wrap up the week on July 5-8.  The Tampa Convention Center will serve as the host for all of the events.    

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission to showcase the 2007 AAU Age-Group National Gymnastics Championship in Tampa," said Heather Wolf-Erickson, Gymnastics and Dance Supervisor of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.  "The sport of gymnastics has experienced tremendous growth in both the public programs and the private clubs in the Tampa area. We're proud to promote the sport and look forward to hosting the many families who will be spending their July 4th holiday in Tampa Bay."

The Amateur Athletic Union, founded in 1888, is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.  For more information about the event contact Wolf-Erickson at heather.erickson@tampagov.net or Patricia Gross at patricia.gross@tampagov.net.

 

 

Upcoming Events                          

 

Softball Players Association Winter Nationals

 

On October 26-29, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission will host the 2006 Softball Players Association (SPA) Winter Nationals at the Ed Radice Sports Complex and Greco Softball Complex.  This national adult championship, with seven age divisions ranging from 50+ to 80+, features over 45 teams from throughout the United States.

"We are elated about the growth the softball market has experienced over the past year here in Hillsborough County," said Jason Aughey, Sports Sales and Events Manager of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "To bring a premier senior softball organization like SPA, and one of their top events to Tampa, speaks volumes about our facilities and our destination. We are confident that once SPA experiences all of what Tampa has to offer that this winter national tournament will want to return every October."

Florida's Finest Fall College Exposure Tournament

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Tampa Mustangs will host the 2006 Florida's Finest Fall College Exposure Tournament November 11 and 12 at the Greco Softball Complex. This girl's fast pitch tournament is in its seventh year and features 24 of the best softball teams in the state of Florida.

"We are very excited to have 24 of the most competitive teams in the state and over 30 college coaches from across the nation participating in this year's college exposure softball tournament," said Ray Seymour, Director of the Tampa Mustangs.

 

For more information about this upcoming tournament please visit http://www.tampamustangs.com/

USL SoccerFest

One of the biggest and most diverse soccer extravaganzas in the country, the USL SoccerFest, will return to Tampa this November, running from November 16th through November 21st.   There are plenty of ways for you and others from the community to become involved in this mega-event.  USL is hosting a small-sided tournament called the Five-A-Side Frenzy, an interactive Players' Village, and an autograph session with Alan Shearer.

The Five-A-Side Frenzy is a fast-paced, action-packed competition.  Each team fields a goalkeeper and four field players.  Teams may have up to nine players on their rosters.  Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games and there are openings for all age groups from U8 - U17 for both boys and girls.  There are also openings for the Open Men's and Open Women's Divisions as well.  Each player will receive a free t-shirt for participating in the tournament.  The registration deadline is November 3.  The competition will be held on November 19 at Ed Radice Sports Complex.  To register, visit www.uslsoccerfest.com/frenzy/index.html.

In addition to the Five-A-Side Frenzy, USL is holding its 20 Anniversary Celebration Showcase Event on November 18.  Fox Soccer Channel will be there broadcasting a showcase match between Red Bull New York and West Kendall.  Alan Shearer, fabled English soccer legend and former English National Team captain, will be making a guest appearance and be holding an autograph session on that day.  All of these exciting events are happening in conjunction with the Super Y-League North American Finals.

Visit www.uslsoccerfest.com to find out how you can get involved!

 

Volunteer Opportunities               

 

United Soccer League - Super Y League North American Finals - Nov. 17-21, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tampa Sports Commission is in need of volunteers for this year's USL Super Y-League North American Finals, November 17-21 on the campus of the University of South Florida and the Ed Radice Sports Complex. The North American Finals is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world. Part of the 2nd annual USL Soccerfest, the Super Y-League North American Finals will feature over 140 elite teams from all over North America who will compete in the league's annual premier event. We are looking for people to assist in event setup, administration, registration, and numerous other areas. For more volunteer information or to sign-up, please contact Blake Guthrie at bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com or (813) 342-4075.

 

High School All-Star Game - December 2, 2006 and Game Day of Champions - December 16, 2006

 

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is in the process of organizing our volunteer efforts for the annual High School All-Star Game and Game Day of Champions events that will be held on December 2 and December 16 at Raymond James Stadium. Assistance is needed with team check-in, escorting teams and cheerleaders and welcoming fans to the stadium. For more volunteer information or to sign-up, please contact Blake Guthrie at bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com or (813) 342-4075.

 

ACC Men's Basketball Tournament - March 8-11, 2007

This March, the eyes of the sports world will be on Tampa Bay as we host the 2007 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament.  The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is searching for energetic individuals to act as community ambassadors for the event and be a part of making sure the event's first trip to the state of Florida is an overwhelming success.  Those individuals interested in learning more about potential volunteer opportunities can contact Blake Guthrie at 813-342-4075 or bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com.

 

 

Visit our newly remodeled website at

www. TampaBaySports.org for the latest events

coming to Tampa Bay and to learn about our

exciting membership opportunities.

 

 

 

 

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501c3, charitable corporation that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and hosting major amateur sporting events. Our mission is to attract, promote and/or organize major amateur sporting events, and grassroots youth sports programs, that foster the ongoing development and quality of life for the entire Tampa Bay area.

 

 

 

Tampa Bay Sports Commision - 400 North Tampa Street, Suite 2800, Tampa, Florida 33602
Ph: 813.223.1111 - Toll Free: 800.826.8358 - Fax: 813.218.3376 - www.TampaBaySports.org
For more information, email Blake Guthrie at bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com


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