Sports in the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The
Tampa Bay Buccaneers bring the excitement of the NFL to our area and although a seasonal sport, the fans
stay in football mode year-round. The Buccaneers are in the Southern Division of the National Football Conference
(NFC) and have established heated rivalries with fellow division teams; Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and the
Carolina Panthers. One of their hottest rivalries, with the Philadelphia Eagles was born in the playoffs and has
continued ever since. The Buccaneers along with the Seattle Seahawks joined the NFL in 1976 as expansion teams.
Having lost the first 26 games of their existence, the Buccaneers have righted the ship and have enjoyed success
on the field, beginning with the hiring of Head Coach Tony Dungy in 1995. Dungy led the team into an era of
respectability and handed the reigns to Jon Gruden in 2002. Gruden guided the Buccaneers to their first Superbowl
win in 2003, capping a great eight years of football. From humble beginnings, to Superbowl Champions, the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers give the Tampa Bay community something to stand up and cheer about.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Hockey in Florida? That was the question when Phil Esposito made the announcement of the
Tampa Bay Lightning
franchise in 1991. Along with his brother Tony, Phil brought the National Hockey League to southern Florida and
thanks to an exciting first game in 1992, they planted good seeds in 11,000 seat Expo Hall. After that first season,
the team moved to Pinellas County and played their home games in the “Thunderdome” where they set an NHL
record for Playoff attendance. From there, they moved back to Tampa and into their current home, then St. Pete
Time Forum (formerly known as the Ice Palace). In 2004, the Lightning won Lord Stanley’s Cup, electrifying the
city with Bolt fever and bringing sports’ greatest trophy to the Sunshine State.
Tampa Bay Storm
Moving from Pittsburgh to Tampa in 1991, the Pittsburgh Gladiators would become the
Tampa Bay Storm and never
look back. As with their I-4 rivals the Orlando Predators, the Storm share the Arena Football record for longest tenure
by a franchise in a single market. And, due to their Pittsburgh roots, they are the last of the original four Arena Football
organizations. An instant success, the Storm won the Arena Bowl in 1991 and have won four more championships since,
bringing the total to five. They have also qualified for the playoffs in all but one season. Coached by Tim Marcum, the
Storm have consistently provided fans with exciting and high level arena football fun.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
The Tampa Bay area has enjoyed a long tradition of professional baseball, dating back to the early 1900’s. The problem has
always been that the teams were just visiting for Spring Training. That was until 1995, when a group from Tampa Bay was
awarded a Major League Baseball expansion team to be names the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Since that time, the Tampa Bay
area has had its very own Major League Baseball franchise to give them a full season’s schedule and not just visit during
the spring months. The team plays their home games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and brings baseball excitement
to the home crowds night after night. Weather is not a factor in home games because the field is a dome stadium and
offers a comfortable indoor experience.
Dunedin Blue Jays
In the heart of historical Dunedin Florida, sits Knology Park, home of the minor league
Dunedin Blue Jays baseball team.
Opening in 1990, the stadium seats 6,106 fans and has been home to many current Major League Baseball players during
their days in the minor leagues. The Dunedin Blue Jays are an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays are one of their minor
league clubs. During the spring, the Toronto Blue Jays use the Dunedin facilities as their Spring Training home and enjoy
the welcome they receive from fans with each new season. In 2006, the Blue Jays made it to the Florida State League
Championship Series, losing to the St. Lucie Mets 3 games to 0.
Tampa Yankees
Appropriately named, Legends Field in Tampa is not only home to the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees major
league baseball team, but home to lots of MLB history as well. The design of the field is based on the stadium in New
York and has been home to many exciting minor league contests. The 10,386 seat facility opened in 1996 and is across
the street from Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Visitors from New York have Legends
Field on their “Must See” list and do not leave disappointed. Love ‘em or not, the Yankees have a strong fan base and
have found a home in Tampa Bay.
Clearwater Threshers
The Clearwater Threshers are a Florida State League team based in Clearwater, and have brought exciting
minor-league baseball to the area for many years. Prior to moving into their new home, Bright House Networks Field,
the Threshers were known as the Phillies and played at Jack Russell Stadium. Their new stadium seats over 7000 fans
and offers all the latest in fan and guest services. They are still an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and have launched
many major league careers. For tickets and other information call 727-467-4457.
Tampa Bay Downs
And they’re off! Thoroughbred horse racing has found a home in the Tampa Bay area at the Tampa Bay Downs in
Oldsmar. The one-mile dirt oval track has given racing fans countless exciting finishes and surprise contenders since
its opening in 1926. Its history is not entirely made of horse racing, as in 1943 the grounds were used as an Army
training facility. The track also offers live poker games and features a designated room with professional dealers and
amenities.
Orlando Magic
For those that like to travel and like to see professional basketball, hop onto I-4 and head to Orlando and check out all the
NBA has to offer with the Orlando Magic. Since 1989, the Magic have given a lot of trilling basketball memories to their fans
as well as NBA fans around the nation. In 1992, the Magic selected Shaquille O’Neal with the first pick in the draft and that
changed the entire persona of the young franchise. The addition of Shaq and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway in the following
year made the Magic a playoff contender that reached the NBA finals in 1995. They didn’t win the championship, but won
the hearts of the fans in Orlando and secured their place in the NBA for many years to come.
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