Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Sports fans, get ready! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tampa Bay, catching a game is a must. This city is home to championship-winning sports teams in Tampa, electric stadiums, and passionate fans.

Whether you’re into football, hockey, baseball, soccer, or major sporting events in Tampa, this guide has everything you need to plan the ultimate game-day experience—including where to watch, what to do before and after, and where to grab the best merch.

Tampa Bay’s pro sports teams 

No matter the season, there’s always a game to catch! Here’s where to watch sports in Tampa with the city’s top teams in action:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) – Raymond James Stadium (Fall/Winter)

Home of the Super Bowl LV Champions! Experience game day with fire-the-cannons excitement and tailgating. Secure seats early for divisional rival games like vs. the Saints or Falcons.

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) – Benchmark International Arena(Fall/Spring)

Experience "Be the Thunder!" Tampa is a hockey town, and the Lightning have won multiple Stanley Cups. The best games? Rival matchups against the Florida Panthers or the Boston Bruins.

Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) – George M. Steinbrenner Field (Spring/Summer)

The Rays are bringing the action to Steinbrenner Field! Catch them in a more intimate setting while the team’s stadium situation evolves. Get there early for the best seats and keep an eye out for promotional nights and giveaways!

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) – Al Lang Stadium (Spring/Fall)

The best soccer experience in Tampa Bay! Sit in the Mob section for an intense, high-energy fan experience.

Big sporting events in Tampa Bay 

Beyond our home teams, Tampa Bay hosts major national and international sporting events in Tampa Bay:

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete (March) – High-speed IndyCar racing in Downtown St. Pete.

Valspar Championship (March) – PGA Tour event at Innisbrook Resort.

Spring Training (February-March) – Catch the Yankees, Phillies, and Blue Jays warming up!

Best places to watch sports in Tampa Bay 

Not heading to the stadium? These sports bars bring the action to you!

• Hattricks Tavern (Downtown Tampa) – The go-to spot for Lightning fans.
• Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill (St. Pete) – Right outside Tropicana Field, perfect for Rays fans.
• Duffy’s Sports Grill (Multiple Locations) – Giant TVs & game-day specials.
• Press Box Sports Emporium (Tampa) – Old-school Tampa sports bar with great wings.
• The Patio Tampa (SoHo) – Open-air vibes & plenty of TVs.

More ways to play in Tampa Bay 

Looking to get in on the action yourself? Tampa has plenty of ways to stay active!

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding at Weedon Island or the Hillsborough River.
• Golfing at TopGolf Tampa or public courses like Babe Zaharias Golf Course.
• Pick-up basketball at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
• Try out pickleball at Cuscaden Park or Walter Fuller Park.
• Hit the batting cages at Grand Slam Batting Cages.

Get ready for game day 

From thrilling pro sports in Tampa to epic game-day bars and activities, Tampa Bay has endless stuff to do for sports lovers. No matter what season, there’s always a game to catch!

Need tickets? Find the best game-day deals and recommendations right here.