Kick off Tampa Bay Sun FC’s inaugural season

The team’s first match is Sunday, Aug. 18, but the festivities start this week.

Leaders clap onstage at the Tampa Bay Sun FC release party celebration.

Tampa’s leadership celebrated at the logo and name release party earlier this year.

The wait is over. The Tampa Bay Sun FC inaugural season celebrations start this week.

Run, don’t walk to put these events on the calendar:

  • Goals in Gaslight | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Show off your soccer skills + win prizes at this free community event at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.
  • Preseason Match-Up | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 7 p.m. | Watch the Sun take on Fort Lauderdale United FC in this pre-season contest.
  • Kickoff Soccer Clinic + SUNday Funday Fan Fest | Sunday, August 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Tow the kiddos along to hone their soccer skills, then stick around for music, food, and other activities — register in advance.
  • Tampa Bay Sun FC Pop-Up Shop | Wednesday, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 16 | 12-6 p.m. | Deck yourself out in navy and gold merch before the first game.
  • March to the Match & Inaugural Game | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Join fellow footy fans for a joyous walk to the Riverfront stadium.
More from TBAYtoday
Fit the Surf n’ Turf Alfredo Sundae and other fair delights into your budget.
Get in on the action this Super Bowl Sunday with six local watch parties featuring big screens, a chili cook-off, and food + drink specials.
These local donation sites will collect items like clothing, home goods, diapers, and other things that people may need.
The grand opening of the alpine event is on Friday, Feb. 6 in Northern Italy. We’re imagining how it would go down in the Tampa Bay area.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
See which Tampa Bay gems made OpenTable’s “2026’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants.”
Tampa Bay’s beloved coffee joint is making its first move into Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
The city’s long-awaited two-way bike lane is nearly complete.
The new 31-story condo tower is one of the latest changes to the South Tampa skyline.