TheSiouxFan
Registered User
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
Fergs Live will be packed with green as it's UNDs official pregame party.
Fergs Live will be packed with green as it's UNDs official pregame party.
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Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
- Thread starter hockeyplayer1015
- Start date
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
Four Green Fields has excellent pub food and it is free to leave your car there for parking if you patronize the place. I did the same for a sold out Tampa Lightning game with no issues, much less expensive than pre-gaming in the plaza as well. 10 minute walk to games.
Four Green Fields has excellent pub food and it is free to leave your car there for parking if you patronize the place. I did the same for a sold out Tampa Lightning game with no issues, much less expensive than pre-gaming in the plaza as well. 10 minute walk to games.
LordofBrewtown
Registered User
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
If you are looking for a reasonable/good public course, and are willing to drive a bit (hour away) go to World Woods. @ $100 with cart (or less), 36 holes, Very nice layout for what's down here in Florida
If you are looking for a reasonable/good public course, and are willing to drive a bit (hour away) go to World Woods. @ $100 with cart (or less), 36 holes, Very nice layout for what's down here in Florida
mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Agree. Very nice place.
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
I have a vacation home in Largo so have some familiarity with the area.
Re reasonable golf places: East Bay Golf Course in Largo always looks well kept up and the rates are $30 to $40 depending on the day etc.
There is an awesome Cuban restaurant in Ybor City part of Tampa. Columbia has been serving Cuban food for over 100years. Good food, great sangria and awesome salads. They have a location in Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach also, same food but modern decor and a deck on the intracoastal.
The Ybor City is the original with old Cuba decor. There is a streetcar line that goes straight from Ybor City to the arena and I have parked in Ybor City, had dinner there and taken the streetcar to and from the arena. Parking is cheaper that way.
For the person who asked about cigars, in the Columbia Restaurant there is a gift shop which sells cigars among other things. The last time I was there there was a really ancient Cuban man hand making cigars.
North of Clearwater about 25-30 minutes is Tarpon Springs, sort of a Greek fishing village plunked down on the Florida coast. Dodecanese Blvd is the main street with all the Greek restaurants and pastry shops. I like the Mykanos restaurant, small, homey and lots of the customers are Greek (a good sign). The Hellas Restaurant is bigger and a bit fancier but also has good food.
Also in Tarpon Springs in a little plaza area is a very small shop with two Cuban men making cigars by hand. I don't smoke cigars but once stopped to buy a few for a friend in Iraq. I bought him a few cigars but when I mentioned that I was buying them for a man in Iraq one of the men went rummaging around in the back and added a Cohiba Habana to the box "as our gift to your soldier friend serving in Iraq" I didn't tell them that the contraband cigar was going to a guy with four stars on his uniform. My friend said he knew it was contraband for Americans so he destroyed the Cohiba by lighting one end and burned it, puffing on it to keep it lit.
South of Tampa area by about 90 minutes is Sarasota. Location of the Ringling Museum of renaissance art. Wonderful collection in a nice building. Lots of nice restaurants in Sarasota in the St Armand Circle area.
Having written all this I wish I was down there now.
I have a vacation home in Largo so have some familiarity with the area.
Re reasonable golf places: East Bay Golf Course in Largo always looks well kept up and the rates are $30 to $40 depending on the day etc.
There is an awesome Cuban restaurant in Ybor City part of Tampa. Columbia has been serving Cuban food for over 100years. Good food, great sangria and awesome salads. They have a location in Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach also, same food but modern decor and a deck on the intracoastal.
The Ybor City is the original with old Cuba decor. There is a streetcar line that goes straight from Ybor City to the arena and I have parked in Ybor City, had dinner there and taken the streetcar to and from the arena. Parking is cheaper that way.
For the person who asked about cigars, in the Columbia Restaurant there is a gift shop which sells cigars among other things. The last time I was there there was a really ancient Cuban man hand making cigars.
North of Clearwater about 25-30 minutes is Tarpon Springs, sort of a Greek fishing village plunked down on the Florida coast. Dodecanese Blvd is the main street with all the Greek restaurants and pastry shops. I like the Mykanos restaurant, small, homey and lots of the customers are Greek (a good sign). The Hellas Restaurant is bigger and a bit fancier but also has good food.
Also in Tarpon Springs in a little plaza area is a very small shop with two Cuban men making cigars by hand. I don't smoke cigars but once stopped to buy a few for a friend in Iraq. I bought him a few cigars but when I mentioned that I was buying them for a man in Iraq one of the men went rummaging around in the back and added a Cohiba Habana to the box "as our gift to your soldier friend serving in Iraq" I didn't tell them that the contraband cigar was going to a guy with four stars on his uniform. My friend said he knew it was contraband for Americans so he destroyed the Cohiba by lighting one end and burned it, puffing on it to keep it lit.
South of Tampa area by about 90 minutes is Sarasota. Location of the Ringling Museum of renaissance art. Wonderful collection in a nice building. Lots of nice restaurants in Sarasota in the St Armand Circle area.
Having written all this I wish I was down there now.
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
If you have a car, consider a trip to Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center (free):
http://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/
If you have a car, consider a trip to Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center (free):
http://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/
hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
Will second this. Went back in February, and it's a very neat little complex. As I mentioned earlier, it may be a little too late in the season to see many manatees in-shore, especially with the upcoming forecast.
From downtown, it's probably about 45 minutes, maybe a bit more than that.
Will second this. Went back in February, and it's a very neat little complex. As I mentioned earlier, it may be a little too late in the season to see many manatees in-shore, especially with the upcoming forecast.
From downtown, it's probably about 45 minutes, maybe a bit more than that.
Siouxfaninseattle
Fighting Sioux Fan Forever
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
My buddy that I will be staying with in Tampa lives 5 minutes away. We plan to stop in and take a look.
My buddy that I will be staying with in Tampa lives 5 minutes away. We plan to stop in and take a look.
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
If they are around, the Crystal River Manatee preserve in Tarpon Springs is really cool as well, we went in February and saw at least 100 of them, worth the $15.
If they are around, the Crystal River Manatee preserve in Tarpon Springs is really cool as well, we went in February and saw at least 100 of them, worth the $15.
MagnessMan
D-1 Hockey Nut
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-d...n-four-heres-your-guide-to-live-music/2271949
http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-d...n-four-heres-your-guide-to-live-music/2271949
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
Hoping to hear from others how their activities went, beyond the games themselves. For my part:
1. Beach House We rented a beach house through VRBO, splitting the cost 5 ways. 4BR, plus a pull out couch option. Truth is we could have added a couple more people and not been crowded at all. Initial sticker shock gives way to the realization it's a good value when split enough times. Great way to stay within walking distance from the beach, without breaking the bank.
2. Madeira Beach Less vibrant than Clearwater, but also considerably less crowded. Still a white sand beach. Crowd felt a little more local. Worked for us. Again, being able to walk to the beach was a priority.
3. Jet Ski Some of us jet skied, working with a company out of John's Pass. Big thumbs up from the participants. These guys pretty much turned you loose on the machines. Those preferring a guided jet ski experience should do that out of Clearwater. For newbies that's the better way to go. Since we're after the fact, I won't bother posting the contact info. But I'm willing to dig that out if anyone has an interest.
4. Champions Sports Bar Not a "memorable dining experience," but perfectly good food and very good service. Located in the Marriott Channelside, essentially next door to the Amalie. Thumbs up as a pre-game meal option. Get parked early; relax at Champions.
5. USCHO Webcast Odd experience. It was nice to shake hands and get free lapel pins. But the conversation/program was inaudible to the in-house crowd at Champions. The broadcast was also set up in the waiting area, meaning it would have been impossible to eat and listen at the same time, even had an appropriate sound system been set up. We didn't go out of our way to catch the whole show, or anything like that. It did influence our choice of pre-game meal on Saturday, though that turned out fine, as per the above. So no harm done. But maybe a different approach is needed for next year. Perhaps a location inside United Center, on one of the concourses, with broadcast times scheduled closer to face-off.
We knew going in that our stay in Tampa was all too short, and that we wished we somehow could have made it a longer trip. That was certainly the case.
Question: Did anyone make it to Bern's Steakhouse? If yes, did it live up to its lofty reputation? Reservations were tough to come by; we didn't bother trying the walk-up approach. But if anyone got in, I'd be very interested in your experience.
Other stories?
Hoping to hear from others how their activities went, beyond the games themselves. For my part:
1. Beach House We rented a beach house through VRBO, splitting the cost 5 ways. 4BR, plus a pull out couch option. Truth is we could have added a couple more people and not been crowded at all. Initial sticker shock gives way to the realization it's a good value when split enough times. Great way to stay within walking distance from the beach, without breaking the bank.
2. Madeira Beach Less vibrant than Clearwater, but also considerably less crowded. Still a white sand beach. Crowd felt a little more local. Worked for us. Again, being able to walk to the beach was a priority.
3. Jet Ski Some of us jet skied, working with a company out of John's Pass. Big thumbs up from the participants. These guys pretty much turned you loose on the machines. Those preferring a guided jet ski experience should do that out of Clearwater. For newbies that's the better way to go. Since we're after the fact, I won't bother posting the contact info. But I'm willing to dig that out if anyone has an interest.
4. Champions Sports Bar Not a "memorable dining experience," but perfectly good food and very good service. Located in the Marriott Channelside, essentially next door to the Amalie. Thumbs up as a pre-game meal option. Get parked early; relax at Champions.
5. USCHO Webcast Odd experience. It was nice to shake hands and get free lapel pins. But the conversation/program was inaudible to the in-house crowd at Champions. The broadcast was also set up in the waiting area, meaning it would have been impossible to eat and listen at the same time, even had an appropriate sound system been set up. We didn't go out of our way to catch the whole show, or anything like that. It did influence our choice of pre-game meal on Saturday, though that turned out fine, as per the above. So no harm done. But maybe a different approach is needed for next year. Perhaps a location inside United Center, on one of the concourses, with broadcast times scheduled closer to face-off.
We knew going in that our stay in Tampa was all too short, and that we wished we somehow could have made it a longer trip. That was certainly the case.
Question: Did anyone make it to Bern's Steakhouse? If yes, did it live up to its lofty reputation? Reservations were tough to come by; we didn't bother trying the walk-up approach. But if anyone got in, I'd be very interested in your experience.
Other stories?
FireKnight
Let's go Tech!
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
I overall had a great time in Tampa. The only thing that wasn't so good is that everything in the area of the arena closed at 5PM on Saturday. It left the awkward 3 hour gap with nothing to do except go to the NCAA experience and drink $14.00 cheap American beers. I'm ok with hanging out with college hockey fans and drinking but my girlfriend definitely got bored and my wallet definitely didn't like the $14.00 beers.
I overall had a great time in Tampa. The only thing that wasn't so good is that everything in the area of the arena closed at 5PM on Saturday. It left the awkward 3 hour gap with nothing to do except go to the NCAA experience and drink $14.00 cheap American beers. I'm ok with hanging out with college hockey fans and drinking but my girlfriend definitely got bored and my wallet definitely didn't like the $14.00 beers.
hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
I checked out Yeoman's Cask and Lion, about 4 blocks straight up from the rink on Saturday. British restaurant with a fantastic beer selection. That was open late into the night Saturday as well.
FireKnight, I'm quite surprised that you found things closing down early Saturday. I wouldn't be as shocked about a Sunday, but seems weird that some of the bars in the channelside Plaza would have shut down that early.
I checked out Yeoman's Cask and Lion, about 4 blocks straight up from the rink on Saturday. British restaurant with a fantastic beer selection. That was open late into the night Saturday as well.
FireKnight, I'm quite surprised that you found things closing down early Saturday. I wouldn't be as shocked about a Sunday, but seems weird that some of the bars in the channelside Plaza would have shut down that early.
MagnessMan
D-1 Hockey Nut
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who worked to make it another very successful FF. Glad to hear that the sports commission is seeking another one. I'd be good with an arrangement like Omaha has with college baseball. Can't beat it!
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who worked to make it another very successful FF. Glad to hear that the sports commission is seeking another one. I'd be good with an arrangement like Omaha has with college baseball. Can't beat it!
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
A cool thing that I did that I didn't expect to be that cool: I toured the Victory ship on Saturday, and I was on board when the two Royal Caribbean ships set sail (at about 4 pm). We were perfectly placed to get an up close view of both departures. Admission to the ship cost $10.
A cool thing that I did that I didn't expect to be that cool: I toured the Victory ship on Saturday, and I was on board when the two Royal Caribbean ships set sail (at about 4 pm). We were perfectly placed to get an up close view of both departures. Admission to the ship cost $10.
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
On the downside, a significant percentage of the FF fanbase attends only when the tournament is within driving distance. Make Tampa the permanent site, and you cut those fans out of the picture completely.
Also, my experience over the years is that the variety of sites is actually a major selling point. As an NHL fan, I've enjoyed collecting visits to NHL venues. I believe I've attended the FF at 10 different NHL rinks.* Plus, in the typical year, FF travel has given fans an opportunity to attend games at MLB stadiums. If we went with a permanent site, those things would be missed.
* The Frozen Four in NHL Rinks, 1990-Present:
Detroit 1990
Boston 1998, 2004, 2015
Anaheim 1999
St. Paul 2002, 2011
St. Louis 2007
Denver 2008
Washington DC 2009
Tampa Bay 2012, 2016
Pittsburgh 2013
Philadelphia 2014
For those who give top priority to finding neutral sites, this idea would certainly accomplish that. And an annual beach vacation in connection with the FF is definitely an appealing thought.
On the downside, a significant percentage of the FF fanbase attends only when the tournament is within driving distance. Make Tampa the permanent site, and you cut those fans out of the picture completely.
Also, my experience over the years is that the variety of sites is actually a major selling point. As an NHL fan, I've enjoyed collecting visits to NHL venues. I believe I've attended the FF at 10 different NHL rinks.* Plus, in the typical year, FF travel has given fans an opportunity to attend games at MLB stadiums. If we went with a permanent site, those things would be missed.
* The Frozen Four in NHL Rinks, 1990-Present:
Detroit 1990
Boston 1998, 2004, 2015
Anaheim 1999
St. Paul 2002, 2011
St. Louis 2007
Denver 2008
Washington DC 2009
Tampa Bay 2012, 2016
Pittsburgh 2013
Philadelphia 2014
Nick Papagiorgio
Holding court
FireKnight
Let's go Tech!
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
The bars were open but the other entertainment venues were not. All of the points of interest that did not involve drinking closed at 5pm. I guess it's pretty typical but we found ourselves with a couple of hours to kill before the game and looked at the victory ship, aquarium, and history museum around 4pm but all of them were closing soon. We ended up walking up a few blocks for coffee (something else that is hard to find in this town) and then just chilling outside the arena.
An interesting note ... if you got into a parking spot before 12pm, you could get 24 hour parking for $3 in many of the lots. If you drove in at 12:15, the price went to $20.
The bars were open but the other entertainment venues were not. All of the points of interest that did not involve drinking closed at 5pm. I guess it's pretty typical but we found ourselves with a couple of hours to kill before the game and looked at the victory ship, aquarium, and history museum around 4pm but all of them were closing soon. We ended up walking up a few blocks for coffee (something else that is hard to find in this town) and then just chilling outside the arena.
An interesting note ... if you got into a parking spot before 12pm, you could get 24 hour parking for $3 in many of the lots. If you drove in at 12:15, the price went to $20.
mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Re: Tampa Frozen Four- Things to do, places to go, etc
just knew you are a daniel bryan fan
just knew you are a daniel bryan fan