Tampa Bay is one of America's best sports cities for fans — a perennial playoff NHL franchise, a Super Bowl-winning NFL team, a beautiful new baseball ballpark under development, and more MLB spring training teams than any other metro area. Here's how to experience all of it.
Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Venue: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
The Lightning are the most successful professional sports franchise in Tampa Bay history — Stanley Cup Champions in 2004, 2020, and 2021. The team consistently sells out Amalie Arena and creates one of the NHL's best home atmospheres.
- Season: October - April (playoffs to June)
- Transfer from TPA: from $45
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
The Super Bowl LV champions (2021) play at one of the NFL's most attractive stadiums — a replica pirate ship in one end zone fires cannons after every Buccaneers score.
- Season: August (preseason) - January (playoffs)
- Transfer from TPA: from $40
- Parking: $30-60 on game days, very congested
Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Current venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
Future home: New ballpark under development in downtown Tampa
The Rays are one of baseball's most analytically innovative franchises, consistently competitive despite a modest payroll. Tropicana Field is an aging domed stadium — the new ballpark will significantly improve the fan experience when complete.
- Season: April - September (playoffs through October)
- Transfer from TPA: from $50 (to St. Pete)
MLB Spring Training (February-March)
Tampa Bay hosts the most concentrated spring training experience in baseball:
- New York Yankees: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa ($15-25 tickets)
- Philadelphia Phillies: BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater ($15-25)
- Toronto Blue Jays: TD Ballpark, Dunedin ($15-20)
- Pittsburgh Pirates: LECOM Park, Bradenton ($10-20)
- Baltimore Orioles: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota ($10-20)
Pre/Post Game Transportation
Sports venue parking is expensive and congested. Pre-booked transportation:
- Beats parking at Raymond James Stadium by $15-30
- Avoids the 45-minute post-game traffic delay
- Pre-booked return ensures a guaranteed pickup vs. competing for rideshare post-game