Are you going to a Bucs game this year? | Photo by TBAYtoday
With the arrival of the Women’s Final Four in Tampa, we’ve got all things sports on our minds. In this case, sports facilities.
We’re checking in on two renovation projects in Tampa:
Ray Jay improvements
Raymond James is approaching its 30th birthday. Yes, it’s that old.
This week, Bucs’ co-owner Joel Glazer confirmed plans for a huge renovation are in the works. The stadium got its last refresh six years ago — including a new replay system, nursing stations, and a 2,400-sqft Nike Concept store in the team store.
But leaders are constantly looking at ways to improve fan experience, Glazer said in an interview.
Ownership will work with Hillsborough County to come up with a game plan before the Bucs’ lease on the stadium expires in 2028.
Riverfront Recreation Center
Speaking of the Final Four, the tournament + Dove Brand just paid for a complete overhaul of Tampa’s Riverfront Recreation Center.
What’s included? The revamped center features a computer lab, a basketball mural, indoor basketball court modeled after the Final Four court, literary lounge, plus new lighting and landscaping.
Tampa Pro 2025 | Thursday, April 3-Friday, April 4 | 12 p.m. | Skatepark of Tampa | $15 | Take in the boarding magic at the longest-standing tradition in skateboarding.
“Lift” | 7 p.m. | Murray Theatre, Clearwater | $5 | Sit back for the film telling the invisible story of homelessness in America through a group of young homeless and home-insecure ballet dancers in New York City.
Friday, April 4
Innovation Labs: Introduction to Creative Thinking | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $150+ | Embrace the spirit of Salvador Dalí, learning your personal innovation strengths + how to creatively problem solve in the workplace.
Godfrey | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $29 | Watch the actor, writer, host, and standup comic of “The Godfrey Complex” and “Godfrey: Black By Accident” fame headline the Cigar City stage.
Saturday, April 5
50th Annual Mainsail Art Festival | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Vinoy Park | Free entry | It’s the 50th annual juried fine arts festival, featuring 250+ fine artists, local eats, the Mainsail Beer Garden, and live music.
Full Body Workout with MMFitness | 9-9:45 a.m. | Armature Works | Free | Sweat it out along the riverfront at this class blending scientifically-backed moves and bumping music — bring a towel and water bottle.
Swann Supper Club | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Ro Hyde Park | $150 | Sit back for family-style feast after nightfall at this new supper club experience accompanied by a live DJ and flowing cocktails.
Sunday, April 6
Orchid Festival | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunken Gardens | $6+ | Study up on the art of propagation and mounting or pick up new orchids and pots of all varieties at the market — plus, you can buy beer, wine, and Italian delights from Carrabba’s.
🌷 Lakeland’s first annual flower festival blooms this April
Presented by Bonnet Springs Park
Beauty blossoms at this first annual flower festival. | Photos by Bonnet Springs Park
Spring enthusiasts, green thumbs, and park lovers of all ages: Meet Bloom at BSP, Lakeland’s first annual, free flower festival + celebration of nature happening this Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6.
Hillsborough County is getting ready to spend $208.6 million on roadwork projects. Commissioners just approved using Florida Department of Transportation’s All for Transportation dollars for resurfacing roads across the county. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
Five Pinellas County tourism destinations are getting a revamp. The county just earmarked $24 million for projects at the Eddie C. Moore Complex, Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina, the Palladium at St. Petersburg College theater, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Arts Center & Chihuly Collection. (Tampa Bay Times)
Transit
Headed to the Final Four action? Skip the parking disaster and ride the shining yellow Tampa Streetcar — even later. The free public service will offer extended hours today + Sunday, April 6. Streetcars will run every 12-15 minutes along the 2.7 mile path. (That’s So Tampa)
Biz
How much is the NCAA Women’s Final Four expected to rake in? Most likely millions. Last year’s NCAA Women’s Final Four brought in $32.9 million in direct spending to the Cleveland area. We’ll keep you posted on the numbers. (That’s So Tampa)
Eat
We have “Chopped” at home. The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival’s Chef Showdown returns next Friday, April 11. Who’s competing? The lineup includes: Chef Joe Dodd of King of the Coop, Chef Aikeem Riley of Saucin Wings, and Chef Ted Dorsey of Sunshine City Tavern. Get tickets.
Giveaway
Your next night out could be on the house: The Terrace’s Annual Giveaway Week returns on Monday, April 28. Follow both the Hotel and Grille Instagram accounts (linked above and below) for a full week of exclusive daily prizes.*
Sports
Josh Lowe just suffered another oblique injury. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars + compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
Tech
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Number
$10,000. If you owe this much in personal debt, this company can reach out to credit card companies + potentially reduce it. See how it works.*
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
Earlier this week, MOSI opened the second largest planetarium in the US. But what exactly does that look like? Here’s a peekfor the visual learners among us.
Bonus: Check out the dome and celebrate Jane Goodall’s 91st birthday at today’s screening of “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope.” The documentary follows stories of conservation wins across the globe like the re-introduction of the American bison by the Blackfeet Nation.
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