Tampa hosts free events to celebrate upcoming Super Bowl

Satisfy some of your anticipation at these free events!

As Tampa Bay gears up to watch the Buccaneers face the Chiefs on Feb. 7, the city turns to celebration. Like any city hosting the Super Bowl, an array of events was expected. Now, with the Bucs becoming the first team to ever play home at the Super Bowl, 813 is going all out.

The Super Bowl Experience

Located downtown, this free outdoor event features games, food, live music and more. Attendees can participate in numerous events, including a 40-yard dash and showings of Super Bowl memorabilia (including all 54 Super Bowl rings). Interestingly enough, the experience is not confined to one location and instead spans across downtown in popular venues like Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Sparkman Wharf. With its variety of activities, the Super Bowl experience has something for everyone. The Super Bowl experience is currently open until Feb. 6, and visitors are encouraged to utilize the OnePass app to reserve tickets. COVID-19 precautions such as mask-wearing, social distancing and an influx of hand sanitizer stations are enforced.

Celebrity Flag Football

Across the bridge in Clearwater, Doug Flutie, Tracy McGrady and friends will be showing down at this annual event. The event is closed to the general public, but can be watched for free on ESPNews and the ESPN app from 2 pm to 4 pm. Perfect for long-time fans and those wanting to escape the madness this weekend, you can enjoy this event from the comfort of your own home.

Super Bowl Light Show

In classic Gasparilla fashion, the famous José Gasparilla pirate ship will be leading this event. Like the name says, this event showcases fireworks and other football-themed visuals. Through Feb. 5-6, the show will take place at 6:55 pm, 7:55 pm, 8:55 pm and 9:55 pm. The show lasts about four and a half minutes and is a perfect companion to some hot chocolate and a blanket.

TikTok Tailgate

What’s a Super Bowl without celebrity appearances? Performances from Miley Cyrus and more will be held on Feb. 7 outside of Raymond James Stadium. The event is exclusive to the 7500 vaccinated healthcare workers who will be attending the game later that day. Hosted by Steve Harvey and MJ Acosta, many other familiar faces will make an appearance. The event will be live-streamed on the NFL’s TikTok account and will begin at 2:30 pm. Like Celebrity Flag Football, this is a perfect event for those pop culture lovers looking to stay in the peace and quiet of their own home.