On February 1, 2009, the 43rd Super Bowl will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Super Bowl is no longer just a game, it’s a week-long party with events spread throughout the host city.
Raymond James Stadium is the center of attention and the location of Super Bowl XLIII. Nearby Raymond James Stadium, fans can enjoy the NFL Experience, a fan-friendly interactive attraction. Raymond James Stadium is ground zero during Super Bowl week, but the fun and excitement of the game extends to many venues in the Tampa Bay area.
Visitors to Tampa must visit the St. Pete Times Forum. This is the busiest venue in Tampa hosting over 150 events each year. In the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIII, guests at the St. Pete Times Forum can enjoy legendary rock band The Eagles, Grammy winner Celine Dion, comedian Dane Cook and two NHL Tampa Bay Lightning games. And lest there be any confusion, The St. Pete Times Forum is located in Tampa despite what its name may indicate.
Located at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the Ford Amphitheater is a 20,000-seat outdoor venue. On the Thursday and Friday nights before the 2009 Super Bowl, Ford Amphitheater is home to the Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash. Top acts including Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Lifehouse and Enrique Inglesias will perform. The event will air on VH1 on January 29.
Cross Tampa Bay and visit the home of the MLB World Series contenders, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays won’t be available until April, but football fans can enjoy a Taste of the NFL at Tropicana Field. Visitors to Tropicana Field can mingle with some of the NFL’s best players, enjoy live entertainment, sample food from every NFL city and be a part of the NFL’s fight against hunger in America.
While you’re across the pond from Tampa, check out Jannus Landing. Jannus Landing is the oldest concert hall in Florida. Patrons and performers love the relaxed atmosphere and intimate concert experience. Patrons enjoy this open air venue and all the great restaurants and bars within walking distance. The week leading up to Super Bowl XLIII, Jannus Landing welcomes Keller Williams on Tuesday, January 27 and the Dark Star Orchestra on Thursday, January 29.
Downtown Tampa will be abuzz with Super Bowl activities. ESPN will have a giant marquee filled with lounges, bars and screens showcasing the future of sports. The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center will transport you back to the 1960s. On Saturday, January 31, the Fab Four Tribute Band will have the audience singing along and one lucky guest will win two Super Bowl tickets.
On January 29, singer-songwriter John Legend will perform his Grammy-winning hits at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall. Ruth Eckerd Hall is known for its excellent acoustics and the music of John Legend is a perfect fit for this fine theater.
The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg offers a sophisticated rock and roll experience on the Friday before the big game. On January 30, a rock band joins The Florida Orchestra in an electrifying performance of the music of Pink Floyd. Whether you’re ‘Comfortable Numb’ or not, this performance is guaranteed to be a thrilling ‘super bowl’ for your senses.
The Sun Dome is located on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The Sun Dome usually hosts the USF basketball team, but on the weekend before the Super Bowl, this venue is transformed into a concert venue and breakfast club. On Friday, January 30, gospel fans can enjoy the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. On Saturday, January 31, the Sun Dome plays host to the popular Super Bowl breakfast. The Super Bowl breakfast has earned a reputation as one of the best pre-game events. NFL players and coaches, including Tony Dungy and Derrick Brooks, offer words of inspiration and present the 2009 Bart Starr Award in honor of an NFL player of outstanding character.
The 2009 Super Bowl XLIII is an event that Tampa Bay is pleased to host. The entire city is full of energy and enthusiasm for the opportunity to share the best of the bay. For more information on Raymond James Stadium and venues in the Tampa Bay area, visit KnowYourVenue.com. Know Your Venue.com is a one-stop shop for information on Super Bowl XLIII, venues in Tampa Bay, and venues across the United States.