09.12.2023

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Today’s Forecast

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The latest on Super League Tampa Bay

Sit down with the president of Super League Tampa Bay

Christina Unkel speaking at WISE (Women in Sports + Events) Tampa Bay event. | Photo via Super League Tampa Bay

Last week, we told you that the highly anticipated USL Super League Tampa Bay club is planning to build a practice field in Ybor City. Now, we’re digging into even more development deets.

We spoke with the club’s president Christina Unkel to ask a few questions about the inaugural season + the building process so far.

Can you walk us through where Super League Tampa Bay is right now in the development process?

“We are finishing up and finalizing the naming and the branding with hopefully a brand reveal in the fall. We all always laugh because it’s the first question we get, ‘what’s the real name?’ because USL Super League Tampa would be a really long one.”

🏟️ Stadium

“The final stadium will be eventually here in the urban-core area, ideally near Ybor City, which is what we call HQ. But the permanent stadium won’t be for a bit. We are currently looking at a couple of different venues for a temporary stadium for the first year, ideally in the urban-core market area, so that the individuals can know where they would be going to for those games. That’s another thing we’re looking to hopefully shore up here in the fall so that we can start selling tickets in early spring of next year.”

Can you say anything about the potential options?

“The most we can say at this point is ideally we’d like to stay in the urban core area of Tampa Bay. But we’re looking as far down south as ... Al Lang Stadium all the way up to ... North Tampa.

Everyone always kind of thinks, ‘So you can kind of just throw it up anywhere.’ And the reality is there’s minimum qualifications. The stadium that we would look for in a temporary stadium is ... a minimum ability to seat 5,000. A full actual stadium, not surrounded by a track, obviously lighting and scoreboards and all that good stuff, the stuff that a professional athlete would play on. At the moment, there’s a lot of conversations being had, but nothing really solidified at this point.

🛎️ Stay in the loop

Register to become a supporter on the website + follow social media channels to be the first to see announcements. The team hopes to celebrate its new name and brand sometime this fall. Never fear, we’ll keep you posted.

Scouting has already started

Asked

Where would you like to see a stadium built?

A. Ybor City
B. North Tampa
C. Downtown St. Pete
D. I have other ideas

SPILL THE TEA

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Workshop: Drawing at The Dalí | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Dalí Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | $30-$40 | A professional artist from the Morean Art Center teaches you how to draw like Salvador Dalí using charcoal and paper.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Yoga in the Commons | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa | $10 suggested donation | Namaste by the Bay leads this all-levels power flow class on the turf, focusing on building strength and mobility.
“Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead” | Wednesday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Shimberg Playhouse at Straz Center, 1010 North Macinnes Pl., Tampa | $25-$40 | This comedic retelling of “Hamlet” through the eyes of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern won a Tony when it premiered.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Yoga at the MFA | Thursday, Sept. 14-Thursday, Oct. 26 | 8-9 a.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg | $10-$25 | Take in the Museum of Fine Arts while stretching, breathing, and meditating — BYO-mat.

Friday, Sept. 15

Ybor City: A Conversation with Sarah McNamara | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Historian Sarah McNamara is joined by her peer Gary Mormino to share more of the political shifts that defined Ybor City.
Art & Aces | Friday, Sept. 15 | 8-11 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $185-$225 | Try your hand at roulette, craps, blackjack, or casino slots, enter the silent auction, and enjoy cigars — all in support of the Tampa Museum of Art.

Saturday, Sept. 16

Gandy Beach Cleanup | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | South Gandy Beach, 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Help Keep Pinellas Beautiful collect trash, debris, and beautify the popular slice of beach.
Water Lantern Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 5-9 p.m. | SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Hwy., Hudson | $27-$56 | Craft your own paper lantern and watch it set sail into the night — plus, enjoy food trucks and music.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Biz

What’s on the horizon for Tampa International? The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority expects passenger traffic to shoot up to 25.2 million next year + bring in $408.6 million over the next fiscal year. TPA is expected to serve 38.8 million passengers annually in the next 20 years. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Drink

Aloha. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii just opened a beanery in Lutz at 25195 FL State Rd. 54. The coffee shop stocks Hawaiian brews, blended drinks, and a Hawaiian-inspired menu. (That’s So Tampa)

Active

Prepare to pickle. Poprally Pickleball is coming to Midtown Tampa Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24. Check the event’s Facebook page for updates. (That’s So Tampa)

Contest

Now, for more TPA news. Tampa International is nominated for the Best Large Airport in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Our beloved airport is up against the likes of Miami International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Vote through Monday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.

Plan Ahead

13 Ugly Men’s Halloween Party takes over the Cuban Club on Saturday, Oct. 21. The nonprofit event features DJs, entertainment, and a massive costume contest. Buy tickets online. (That’s So Tampa)

Seasonal

It’s nearly time to celebrate autumn. The 6th Annual Fall Fest Fundraiser is booked for Saturday, Oct. 21. Head to St. Pete’s 3 Daughters Brewing for pumpkin painting, an open-air market, a photo booth, food trucks, and bounce houses. (I Love the Burg)

Coming Soon

Get ready to “frost yourself.” Make-your-own jewelry spot The Brass Dagger is opening next month in south St. Pete at 1435 4th St. S. The shop will guide you though the whole ringmaking process, including sizing, cutting, soldering, hammering, and polishing. (St. Pete Rising)

Edu

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

Last week we celebrated one whole year of TBAYtoday. Thank you so much for being here. Let’s take a look back at some of the incredible moments from the past 12 months.

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