Construction on the riverfront performing arts venue’s long-awaited ~$80 million expansion starts today. We don’t have a construction timeline yet, but we can offer an idea of what patrons can expect.
With the expansion, leaders of the Tampa institution aim to educate even more aspiring Cigar City performers + make performances more accessible (Think: Catching a musical number while on your nightly Riverwalk dog walk).
The veil will offer some welcome shade for those steamy summers.
Best of all, the shows will continue to go on throughout construction. The Center recently announced the lineup for Opera Tampa’s 30th anniversary season, featuring:
“The Turn of the Screw” | Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 + Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day | 12-8 p.m. | Ben & Jerry’s, Tampa | Free | Score a scoop of Half Baked, Phish Food, The Tonight Dough, Cherry Garcia on the house — courtesy of your friends Ben and Jerry.
Listening Party: Willie Nelson’s Greatest Hits | 5:30-8 p.m. | The James Museum | $10 | Leave your smoke at home + head to the Western Art museum to listen to jams from the legendary artist and shop a mini market.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit | 7:30 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $64+ | Spend the night with the Southern singer and his band as they enchant with hits like “Alabama Pines,” “Cover Me Up,” and “If We Were Vampires.”
Chris Tucker | Tuesday, April 8-Wednesday, April 9 | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock | $73+ | Detective James Carter erhm the legendary stand-up comic and actor takes the Cigar City stage.
Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Festival | Friday, April 11-Saturday, April 12 | 5-10 p.m. | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds | $25+ | Stomp over to the rodeo for bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping, and bull dogging.
Hurricane season is less than two months away, and Colorado State University is forecasting an “above-normal” season. What’s in store? Researchers predict we’ll see 17 named storms with 9 hurricanes — four of which will be major. (Tampa Bay Times)
Announced
Florida’s own Sister Hazel is playing the Tampa Riverfest. The kings of Southern rock play the Curtis Hixon Park stage on Friday, May 2. Yes, it’s a free show “All For You.”Take a peek at the rest of the Riverwalk action. (That’s So Tampa)
Show
It’s a good week for TBAY music lovers. Billy Strings, Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicene Show, Awolnation, Carin León, and Denzel Curry are playing a variety of local stages from Amalie Arena to Jannus Live. Take a peek at our events calendar for even more deets.
Eat
Welcome back, Ichicoro Ramen ... kinda. Ichi Koroshi Ramen,tucked inside Jug + Bottle Dept., is now serving some of the since-closed Seminole Heights eatery’s beloved recipes. Stop by to order ramen from the counter, then pick up your to-go containers and enjoy at the bar — or on the incoming patio. (Tampa Bay Times)
Number
155. That’s how many acres of woodlands Tampa International is considering removing due to an increasing number of wildlife incidents impacting flights. Officials say there were 141 wildlife strike incidents in 2024 — and the best way to cut down on incidents is removing the trees alongside the runways. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
It’s Tampa Bay’s most expensive home yet. A 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom contemporary home is on the market in Odessa. Take a tour of the 16,114-sqft new build that is situated on five acres along Lake Ford and features both tennis and pickleball courts, a stocked gym, and a home theater.
Sports
Will the Rays extend one of their young stars, and if so, who? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Jobs
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our TBAYtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting your open jobs.
Biz
Could Hooters make a comeback? Now that Hooters of America filed for bankruptcy, Clearwater-based co-founder Neil Kiefer is trying to buy 100+ of the brand’s locations + launch a “re-Hooterization” campaign. He hopes to bring the stores back to the original roots — and success. (Tampa Bay Times)
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our demographics survey. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Carolyn B.Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.
The Buy
The Buy
If you’re eager to give your friends or loved ones a fun, spring-themed gift, why not make them a seasonal basket of goodies? Here’s some inspiration to get you started:
🧺 Start with a sturdy woven basket that they can reuse as a versatile storage solution.
🍊 Add this refreshing room diffuser with notes of green tea, cotton, and orange peel.
🌱 Include “The Complete Gardener’s Guide” so they can learn everything they need to create their perfect garden.
🌷 Throw in this Amazon exclusive set of floral Happy Socks.
🍬 Complete the basket with the best-selling Owala FreeSip in the fun Candy Store colorway.
I caught my first flick at Green Light Cinema, the Burg’s independent cinema, over the weekend. It reminded me how much I love our local theaters — lookin’ at you Tampa Theatre — for their intimate feel and niche picks.
Answered
Answered
Last week, we asked “Which one of these Tampa Bay stadiums is the oldest?”
}})
}})
