OT: A Visitors Guide To Tampa: All Questions Here!

[TeslaCoilFan]

Hey guys, quick question for you all. Going to the game Thursday and was going through the bag check information. Just wanted to make sure, are drawstrings allowed into the arena? After looking it over, the Panthers are pretty much a no for any bag so wanted to make sure what the deal is with Amalie Arena. Thanks!

Bags must be under 12x12x12 inches in size and no backpacks are allowed. There are separate security lines for people with bags where they'll check the contents and for those without bags. I've brought my drawstring Lightning bag many a time to Amalie Arena and it's been fine. Not sure about bringing a Rangers one though.

I'll be there Thursday as well. Good luck to your Rangers, but not TOO much!

 

[Netter]

We are coming to Tampa Bay for the first time. What can you guys tell us about things to see and do? Restaurants to go to, including where the locals go that have great food. We also want to go to a cigar shop, any suggestions? Looking forward to experience Thunder Alley and meet some fans. Any other ideas are welcome!

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

We are coming to Tampa Bay for the first time. What can you guys tell us about things to see and do? Restaurants to go to, including where the locals go that have great food. We also want to go to a cigar shop, any suggestions? Looking forward to experience Thunder Alley and meet some fans. Any other ideas are welcome!

Lots of good restaurants not too far from the Arena if you're driving. Riverwalk area has a few places. Jackson's, Hattricks and Yeoman Cask and Lion are the main pubs/restaurants close to the Arena. South Howard has a bunch of trendy lupscale restaurants/bars. I like Daily Eats, a diner with excellent classic comfort food. Their loaded grilled cheese sandwich is amazing! lol Datz on McDill is a popular local spot. The International Mall's Bay Street has some really nice restaurants/bars but is a bit more of a drive (by the airport) depending on where you're staying. Ybor City is big nightlife/Cuban roots area and there's a trolley that goes between the Arena/Riverwalk and Ybor. If you want classic Tampa/Spanish food you'll want the Colombia Restaurant in Ybor (they also have a smaller café in the Tampa History Museum close by Amalie Arena) the quality is outstanding and it's as authentic as it gets. There is a cigar shop at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino which is actually owned by the Seminole Tribe and probably one or two in Ybor since that used to be the heart of the cigar making industry. There's some museums and a great Aquarium.

Thunder Alley is much fun! Music, silly games with the Bolt Brigade, Thunderbug, etc.

I'll be there on Thursday.

 

[Tampbear]

We are coming to Tampa Bay for the first time. What can you guys tell us about things to see and do? Restaurants to go to, including where the locals go that have great food. We also want to go to a cigar shop, any suggestions? Looking forward to experience Thunder Alley and meet some fans. Any other ideas are welcome!

What kind of food are you looking for? I mostly know the university area, my favorite restaurants there are Allez Haitian, Petra which is middle eastern food, and Cazador Grill which is Peruvian food.

If there is any kind of food you wanted to try its probably in Tampa, there are so many good different foods here.

 

[Netter]

These are great responses. I guess we aren't looking for anything specific as this is the first time we've been to Tampa so unsure really what to expect. We definitely want to try a Cuban sandwich - since this seems to be the rage and spoken about so highly here - so where has the best Cuban sandwiches? We are going in a couple weeks for a week, so going to 3 games, where is the best place to go for a bite before the game - Hattrick's I'm seeing as the place to go, then hit Thunder Alley? Yebor City is on our list of places to go as well. We are staying in downtown area. What is the weather like there around beginning of December, hard to know what to pack when we are on the verge of snow where we are...LOL. Just wondering, are all the practices open to the public during the day? Looking forward to some fun in the sun and a few days of vacation and rest.

 

[Tampbear]

These are great responses. I guess we aren't looking for anything specific as this is the first time we've been to Tampa so unsure really what to expect. We definitely want to try a Cuban sandwich - since this seems to be the rage and spoken about so highly here - so where has the best Cuban sandwiches? We are going in a couple weeks for a week, so going to 3 games, where is the best place to go for a bite before the game - Hattrick's I'm seeing as the place to go, then hit Thunder Alley? Yebor City is on our list of places to go as well. We are staying in downtown area. What is the weather like there around beginning of December, hard to know what to pack when we are on the verge of snow where we are...LOL. Just wondering, are all the practices open to the public during the day? Looking forward to some fun in the sun and a few days of vacation and rest.

I don't know where the best Cuban is in downtown but I'm sure there are a number of places where you can get a good one. The weather will most likely be sunny and somewhere between 55 and 80 during the day, it might get cool at night but it won't frost.

 

[Briscodog]

Hello boys and girls. Coming down in Dec to see the Jets play. Any suggestions as to where a bigger guy should sit? Was down there a few years ago and bought tickets in the club level and found the seats to be really narrow. Are the seats in the lower bowl wider? More comfortable? Any feedback would be good. Thanks in advance.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Hello boys and girls. Coming down in Dec to see the Jets play. Any suggestions as to where a bigger guy should sit? Was down there a few years ago and bought tickets in the club level and found the seats to be really narrow. Are the seats in the lower bowl wider? More comfortable? Any feedback would be good. Thanks in advance.

Being someone who is rather broad in the beam, and who has sat in seats in all three levels at one time or another, I would recommend the lower bowl. Seats are a bit wider and are more comfortable except for the first two rows (A & B, Lexus Lounge) which are unexpectedly a touch narrower than the rest of the lower bowl. Not that I've paid that kind of money for tickets, but I've sat in them while waiting for warm ups to start and, aside from the view, was NOT impressed.

 

[blink2]

Thanks for all the input. We are coming down next week for a few games. Can anyone suggest a breakfast place in the downtown area? Coffee is a must first thing in the morning!

 

[Habs76]

Already posted in your GDT but thought this might be a more appropriate place.

I was curious if there are any hockey cards or such available in the arena, and also if there's a spot to get these hockey cards signed post-game? Obviously I'm a Habs fan but have taken a liking to a number of Bolts players, their management/management style and what not so they're always the first team I cheer for when the Habs are out (which is likely going to be earlier this year than in the past).

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Already posted in your GDT but thought this might be a more appropriate place.

I was curious if there are any hockey cards or such available in the arena, and also if there's a spot to get these hockey cards signed post-game? Obviously I'm a Habs fan but have taken a liking to a number of Bolts players, their management/management style and what not so they're always the first team I cheer for when the Habs are out (which is likely going to be earlier this year than in the past).

Thanks for any and all help.

Answered you in the GDT. Welcome to the fun!

 

[bigdogsnipedaddy]

Hoping to come to Leaf game later this year and would like some direction regarding hotels somewhere close to the lightning arena? Safe and reasonable price would be preferred!!
Also suggestions for eats prior to game would be fantastic.

Thank you!!

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Hoping to come to Leaf game later this year and would like some direction regarding hotels somewhere close to the lightning arena? Safe and reasonable price would be preferred!!
Also suggestions for eats prior to game would be fantastic.

Thank you!!

If you aren't planning on renting a car (good idea to rent one because the airport is a good distance from downtown even though some of the big downtown hotels run shuttle buses), you are more limited in choice of hotel and especially eats.

Here's a link to the downtown hotels near Amalie Arena.
The 10 Closest Hotels to Amalie Arena, Tampa - TripAdvisor
All are safe, most are a bit...pricey.

For food, there's a few places within walking distance. Not in any order:
Ferg's Live - bar/grill across the street from the Arena

Colombia Café Riverwalk - it's a satellite of the original Ybor City Spanish/Cuban restaurant. If you want uniquely Tampa ethnic food, this is the place. Only open until 9 pm.

Champions Sports Bar and the Waterside Grill - restaurants in the Marriot Waterside hotel right on the river across from the Arena

Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi - on Harbor Island close by Arena

Hattricks - Sports Bar with strong hockey presence. Extremely popular before and after Lightning games. Supposedly some of the best wings in town. Haven't been yet.

Yeoman's Cask and Lion - British Pub only a couple blocks from Amalie. Great rep for good food. Also very popular before games.

For food that's in the area but probably needs a car, you can check out Brent Burns' food guide. He's the Lighting beat writer and he made a little guide for people coming to the All Star Game.

EAT: Tampa Bay

Enjoy your visit!

 

[DarrylshutzSydor]

Going to see the Bolts on the road vs the Islanders in Brooklyn. Does anyone know where the team stays? I was hoping to get an autograph. Thank you.

 

[Blue Liner]

I'm moving back. Snow in the middle of April is no way to live. What a bunch of shit.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

I'm moving back. Snow in the middle of April is no way to live. What a bunch of ****.

That's why my parents moved us all down here in the Seventies from a little town 30 min west of Chicago. One too many blizzards/late snow falls. Still somewhat of a Hawks fan (except for the SCF in 2015 ) in the hazy golden memories of childhood way since I grew up watching Tony Esposito and Stan Mikita play.

Come on down and stay! Tampa area is really nice.

 

[Blue Liner]

That's why my parents moved us all down here in the Seventies from a little town 30 min west of Chicago. One too many blizzards/late snow falls. Still somewhat of a Hawks fan (except for the SCF in 2015 ) in the hazy golden memories of childhood way since I grew up watching Tony Esposito and Stan Mikita play.

Come on down and stay! Tampa area is really nice.

Heading down with the family next month for a few days. Very much looking forward to it. Have missed it so much since we moved back up here from down there.

 

[Vasilevskiy]

Hi guys, considering a trip to the States on November and looking forward to be a few days in Florida and attend at least one game.
Is November a good time? What's the usual weather on Florida and the East Coast?
When's the NHL schedule for 18-19 released?

 

[Hoek]

November is good because the hurricanes should be over with by then!

Might still be relatively hot, like low 80s F or so, later in the month it might start getting to be more winter like low-mid 70s F. We don't get much rain that month typically so should be pretty nice overall.

Schedule is usually released mid June, so give it a couple more weeks!

 

[LeafsNation75]

Hey Lightning fans I have a question for you. Since the Maple Leafs are playing the Lightning on Thursday December 13, 2018 and I will be on vacation at that same time in Walt Disney World, I'm going to drive from their and get tickets for that game once they become on sale. Anyway this will not the first time I will have seen a Leafs and Lightning game from the Amalie Arena. I went once before in December 2007. So I was wondering is anyone allowed to park at this lot across the street in the Green Lot Parking, because I remember it's where I previously parked and it's the only one I see on Google Maps. Also whatever happened to that buffet restaurant in the Amalie Arena called Medallions? It was great with the food offerings and their price was great for a buffet that offered all you can eat Crab Legs and Steak.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Hey Lightning fans I have a question for you. Since the Maple Leafs are playing the Lightning on Thursday December 13, 2018 and I will be on vacation at that same time in Walt Disney World, I'm going to drive from their and get tickets for that game once they become on sale. Anyway this will not the first time I will have seen a Leafs and Lightning game from the Amalie Arena. I went once before in December 2007. So I was wondering is anyone allowed to park at this lot across the street in the Green Lot Parking, because I remember it's where I previously parked and it's the only one I see on Google Maps. Also whatever happened to that buffet restaurant in the Amalie Arena called Medallions? It was great with the food offerings and their price was great for a buffet that offered all you can eat Crab Legs and Steak.

Most of the parking lots around Amalie (Green, Brown, Teal, Pink & the 2 Foundation Lots) are still available for parking. There's also the Parking Garage right beside Thunder Alley & Amalie Arena but there's a limited number of public spots. I usually get to a game an hour or more before the doors open (which is usually an hour before puck drop) and can usually find a spot for only $12 in the garage. Right behind the Foundation Lot is a small public parking lot under the Crosstown Expressway that charges a flat $20 if the other lots are getting full. Brown might not be available with some of the construction that's going on right now.

There is a new buffet restaurant in Amalie Arena called Firestick Grill. A bit pricey, imho, but the food is supposed to be excellent. Am going to treat myself to it at least once this upcoming season.

Dining | Amalie Arena

If you haven't been to Amalie since 2007, you're in for a treat. From 2011-2013, the publicly-owned Amalie Arena underwent a $62 million transformation that was privately funded by Jeff Vinik. The place is now an outstanding venue!

One of the many reasons we love our owner, Mr. Vinik!!

 

[LeafsNation75]

Most of the parking lots around Amalie (Green, Brown, Teal, Pink & the 2 Foundation Lots) are still available for parking. There's also the Parking Garage right beside Thunder Alley & Amalie Arena but there's a limited number of public spots. I usually get to a game an hour or more before the doors open (which is usually an hour before puck drop) and can usually find a spot for only $12 in the garage. Right behind the Foundation Lot is a small public parking lot under the Crosstown Expressway that charges a flat $20 if the other lots are getting full. Brown might not be available with some of the construction that's going on right now.

There is a new buffet restaurant in Amalie Arena called Firestick Grill. A bit pricey, imho, but the food is supposed to be excellent. Am going to treat myself to it at least once this upcoming season.

Dining | Amalie Arena

If you haven't been to Amalie since 2007, you're in for a treat. From 2011-2013, the publicly-owned Amalie Arena underwent a $62 million transformation that was privately funded by Jeff Vinik. The place is now an outstanding venue!

One of the many reasons we love our owner, Mr. Vinik!!

Thank you for all that information.

Now to be on the safe side I plan to leave Walt Disney World around 2:00 or 2:30 PM. That was around the same time I remember leaving in December 2007 and I was able to park in the Green Lot Parking.

I also forgot to ask are the Lightning tickets still sold on Ticketmaster or has that changed? I ask because I assume I can print them from my home when they go on sale?

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Thank you for all that information.

Now to be on the safe side I plan to leave Walt Disney World around 2:00 or 2:30 PM. That was around the same time I remember leaving in December 2007 and I was able to park in the Green Lot Parking.

I also forgot to ask are the Lightning tickets still sold on Ticketmaster or has that changed? I ask because I assume I can print them from my home when they go on sale?

Yeah, if you go to the Lightning website and click on Tickets/Single Game/etc. it will eventually take you to the Ticketmaster interface. But now most tickets are downloaded on to your phone via the Lightning version of the NHL app. Not sure how that works for non-locals?

 

[LeafsNation75]

Yeah, if you go to the Lightning website and click on Tickets/Single Game/etc. it will eventually take you to the Ticketmaster interface. But now most tickets are downloaded on to your phone via the Lightning version of the NHL app. Not sure how that works for non-locals?

In December 2016 I went to a Toronto Raptors game in Orlando I was able to log onto the USA Ticketmaster website, purchase the tickets and print them. So I booked marked it for when the Lighting tickets go on sale (I assume sometime in September) and will try it that way. If that does not work I will do what you said and go through the Lightning website. I do have the NHL app for my iPhone, although obviously I have the Leafs saved as my favorite team and not the Lightning, so not sure if that would matter?

I also purchased tickets for a Blue Jays and Rays game I went to last August at Tropicana Field and went through the Rays website to purchase them and printed those tickets from my printer at home.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

In December 2016 I went to a Toronto Raptors game in Orlando I was able to log onto the USA Ticketmaster website, purchase the tickets and print them. So I booked marked it for when the Lighting tickets go on sale (I assume sometime in September) and will try it that way. If that does not work I will do what you said and go through the Lightning website. I do have the NHL app for my iPhone, although obviously I have the Leafs saved as my favorite team and not the Lightning, so not sure if that would matter?

I also purchased tickets for a Blue Jays and Rays game I went to last August at Tropicana Field and went through the Rays website to purchase them and printed those tickets from my printer at home.

Hopefully it will work either way. Since you have the NHL app, there's probably some way to access your tickets even if you have the Leafs as your favorite team. Will be interesting to find out! Please share with us when you do find out so we can let others know how it works. Thanks!