An introduction and a couple of questions

[Slaine]

Hi All

 

Just wanted to introduce myself.  

 

I'm a football fan from England and me and two mates will be travelling over on a football tour in September and one of the games we'll be at will be at the Bulls Friday night game against UConn.

 

We're really looking forward to a couple of days in Tampa but would love some suggestions about pre-game stuff. Do you guys do much tailgating? As we're flying in we won't have much in the way of grills etc but wondered if anyone welcomed limey visitors? We're quite happy to bring beer/whatever to help out but don't know the best places to go for atmosphere etc.

 

Also, where's the best place to pick up some Bulls gear?

 

Any other recommendations for stuff to do on the Thursday and Friday before the game would be welcome. We're staying down in Ybor City.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Slaine

[charsibb]

Welcome to the board!

 

Don't forget to hit Mons Venus while you're in town...

[raptorcj]

or...there's some of the best beaches in Florida close by to help brown up that alabaster glow.

 

Welcome on, and thanks for supporting the Bulls! You'll have a great time at the Ray Jay!

[CousinRicky]

Welcome to the Board Slaine. Yes, we do tailgating very well.  The football team goes through its ups and downs, but we continue to tailgate at a high level.  You'd be more than welcome to join our gang of about 14 - 16 if you can't find some younger types to hang out with.  Although our group has some in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. 

 

As for what to do on Thursday and Friday before the game, it really depends on what you like.  But Tampa and the Bay area have a bit of everything; museums, fine dining, beaches, world class nudie bars (bars isn't exactly correct as you can't get alcohol if total nudity is involved), local brew houses.  Once you narrow down what you might be interested in the people on here will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

[BDYZR]

Welcome to the Board Slaine. Yes, we do tailgating very well.  The football team goes through its ups and downs, but we continue to tailgate at a high level.  You'd be more than welcome to join our gang of about 14 - 16 if you can't find some younger types to hang out with.  Although our group has some in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. 

 

As for what to do on Thursday and Friday before the game, it really depends on what you like.  But Tampa and the Bay area have a bit of everything; museums, fine dining, beaches, world class nudie bars (bars isn't exactly correct as you can't get alcohol if total nudity is involved), local brew houses.  Once you narrow down what you might be interested in the people on here will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

Welcome!

Agree with CousinRicky, however, since your staying in Ybor, and if you pronounce it correctly, you know you're already in a young folks party area. If you don't, be VERY CAREFULL down there.

[StateRoad42]

Go Fishing and get out on the water. I would charter a boat for fishing (or spearfishing / diving if you're certified).  Hell, rent a kayak and I'll point you toward fish.  Ft. DeSoto and/or Egmont Key are nice touristy visits that have interesting history and nice beaches (passage key is a nudist floatilla island nearby... that's always good for a laugh).  More north is Caladessi Island or any beach in between.  They are more typical beach visits but I really love Caladessi.  The University of Tampa in downtown has an awesome (small) museum with intersting notes about Tampa's history.  It won't take more than an hour and gives a nice background to our "culture."

 

There are tons of bars in South Tampa/Hyde Park.  Ask for locations closer to the games and you'll end up with 5 or more to hop from.  Good food ranges from the high end (Berns Steakhouse or my favorite alternative, Charlies) to salty crabtraps like Hula bay or Whiskey Joes.  If you meet a nice gal, take her to the Rusty Pelican for a sunset appetizer, good piano music and stroll along the causeway.

 

On Sunday, Hogan's Beach is pretty nuts.  They usually have live music and some D-level celebrities catering to service industry folks (read, bartenders who don't work on Monday and plan on getting blasted with college kids).

 

The Florida Aquarium is always fun (they have a great outdoor section with redfish/snook mangroves, otters, sharks, etc).  Busch Gardens is good for roller coasters.  Etc. etc. etc.  Lots to do if you have the time.

 

As far as tailgating goes, the youngins hang out at the mall (east of stadium) and get annihilated.  The "Alumn" tend to be in the grass north or south of the stadium and get mostly annihilated.  Food is critical, you'll need to find a grill if you can.  It's not football without ribs, brats and  Yuengling Beer (green bottle).  My drink of choice.

Edited July 8, 2014 by StateRoad42

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

Go here and get the espresso brown ale if they still ahve it in September. Better than crack IMO.

 

http://cigarcitybrewing.com/whats-on-tap/?age-verified=5dc05376e5

[Skingraft]

FYI:

http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2012/graphics/conventional-wisdom/strip-clubs.html

👉👌👈

[Slaine]

Thanks for all the advice guys. We're all 40ish so won't be there with the students but will probably do a fair bit of damage to the local brews. I'll point the other guys at this thread and see what they like the look of.

I would guess that Mons Venus will be high on the list but outside that we're over for the football and a bit of relaxation.

I'll check in again tomorrow after the other two have had a chance to read this and let you know what we plan.

Thanks again!

[StateRoad42]

If you give us an idea of what you like, we can probably give better ideas.  Locals don't spend a lot of time in Ybor but King Corona is always great for a cigar and pint. Fuente's humidor (Sweethearts) is a great place to find a unique stick.  Arturo Jr. will help you out personally.  The most notable landmark is the Columbia Restaurant which has great spanish food and live flamenco.

 

I would recommend Hyde Park for night life over Ybor.  Ybor is a club scene and can be pretty rough.