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Is it too late for Tampa 2030?
The Opening Ceremony will be centered at the iconic San Siro Stadium. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Picture the scene: The world’s greatest athletes are flying into Tampa International, waiting for their oversized, equipment-filled luggage, and preparing to vie for a coveted medal.
While we’re waiting on a Tampa Bay Olympics to come to fruition, we’re imagining how the start of the Games would be celebrated at our own Opening Ceremony.
The torch arrives
To start off the festivities, let’s stick to what we know best: a pirate invasion.
In true Tampa Bay style, a Gasparilla-inspired invasion would make for the perfect entrance for the Olympic torch. But, instead of stopping by the Convention Center per usual festival norms, we’d like to see the flotilla continue up the Hillsborough River, and place the torch in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Fun fact: That’s the old route the invasion would take.
Imagine an Opening Ceremony that looks like this. | Photo by Kiera Andrews
The athletes wave
The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is taking place across four separate venues. We envision the same thing for Tampa Bay:
To continue our Gasparilla emulation, some athletes would wave to crowds while driving up Bayshore Boulevard.
Others would be doing something similar from St. Pete’s waterfront, showcasing how maritime activities are never far from the imagination across the Burg’s 244 miles of coastline.
Ybor City’s historic streets would also host athletes, bumping their way down cobblestone streets.
Last but not least, Raymond James Stadium would be full to the rafters.
Raymond James Stadium has hosted three Super Bowls. | Photo via Wiki Commons
A Tampa Bay celebration begins
Inside Ray Jay, two homegrown, showstopping acts from different eras would perform: Doechii and the Backstreet Boys. There’s a collab we’d love to see.
Couple that with a litany of stars with links to the Tampa Bay area in attendance — like Tom Brady, John Cena, and Derek Jeter — and the Games can commence in style.
How to watch the Opening Ceremony
The real 2026 Opening Ceremony takes place in Northern Italy on Friday, Feb. 6. As the Games began, stay tuned to WTSP’s coverage of the Olympics so you don’t miss a moment.
Asked
Asked
Would you rather see Doechii or the Backstreet Boys take the stage?
A. Doechii, obvi B. I’ve been waiting on the Backstreet Boys C. I like the double header idea D. Eh, I’m not really into either
Easter Grand Buffet at The Terrace Grille | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland | $45+ | Celebrate Easter with a festive buffet at The Terrace Grille featuring an abundant spread of coastal favorites, seasonal classics, and decadent desserts, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny.*
Irish novelist and poet James Joyce was born on this day, Febr. 2, 1882. As he once wisely said, “life is too short to read a bad book.” Find a good one instead at one of Tampa Bay’s independent bookstores.
Plan Ahead
Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will emerge and predict whether or not we’ll see an early spring, a tradition dating back 139 years. Whatever Phil says, we’ve got plenty of TBAY events lined up for February. Just check the forecast first.
Mansion Monday
When you think of a private island, you probably imagine palm trees, gently lapping waves, and a favorable UV index. That’s not exactly the case with this isolated piece of land in northeastern Maine. It’s a little warmer by the pool at this recently listed Beach Park home. (Realtor.com)
Sports
Super Bowl LX is locked in — the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday, Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. Consider this your cue to text the group chat and pick a Tampa Bay sports bar for game day. (USA Today)
Travel
Southwest Airlines has officially ditched open seating in favor of assigned seats, ending a longtime hallmark of the brand. Love it or loathe it, it’s something to keep in mind when you book your next flight out of Tampa International Airport.
Active
It can be tough to find time to work out. Good news — a new study suggests that a couple of 30-45 minute sessions per week could be enough to make “very good gains.” If you’ve got the time, see which of Tampa Bay’s gyms would suit your schedule. (NPR)
Listen
What’s going on with the Bolts post-Stadium Series? Get the Tampa Bay Lightning lowdown with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles + watch the applications roll in.
Take your Southern hospitality to the next level by making a personalized logo for your home. You can put it on things like matchboxes, coffee cups, and notepads to create a hotel-style feel. Some Gulf Coast flora would be a great touch — get inspired at a local park.
Lately, I’ve been hankering to learn a new craft, and embroidery might be it. Can you image sea oats or Sage on hand towels?
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