Getting There
Tampa International Airport (TPA) sits just 8 miles west of downtown Tampa, making it one of the most conveniently located major airports in the country for sports travelers. A rideshare or taxi gets you downtown or to most hotels in roughly 15 minutes, with flat-rate taxis running around $30. HART bus Routes 10 and 30 connect the airport's rental car center (via the SkyConnect people mover) to downtown for $2, though the ride takes closer to 30-50 minutes.
Getting Around
Tampa's HART system runs 33 bus routes and the TECO Line Streetcar, which links downtown, the Channel District, and Ybor City, but service to Raymond James Stadium requires a bus transfer and is limited on game days, making a car or rideshare strongly recommended for getting to that venue. The TECO Line Streetcar is ideal for getting to a Lightning game at Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena), which has its own dedicated streetcar stop — Amalie Arena Station (Stop 8) — directly at the venue; service is extended until midnight on weeknights and Sundays when there is a Lightning game. The streetcar is also a practical and free option for traveling between downtown and Ybor City. Uber and Lyft are widely available across Tampa and are the most practical game-day option for fans without a rental car.
Where to Stay
Downtown Tampa is the best base for sports visitors: it puts you within walking distance of Benchmark International Arena for Lightning games and keeps you well-connected to Ybor City for pre- and post-game nightlife. Expect to pay $130-$220 per night for downtown hotels on regular dates, with prices spiking significantly during NFL weekends and playoff runs. The Channel District, just south of downtown near Sparkman Wharf, is another solid option that combines walkability to the arena with a lively waterfront atmosphere. For Buccaneers games at Raymond James Stadium, hotels along the Dale Mabry Highway corridor in North Tampa or near Westshore offer cheaper rates around $90-$140 and shorter drives to the stadium.
Sports Fan Notes
Tampa is a legitimate two-major-sport market with the Buccaneers (NFL) and Lightning (NHL) both drawing passionate, knowledgeable local fanbases, so visiting fans should expect a genuine home-crowd atmosphere rather than a tourist-friendly neutral vibe. The Lightning have built one of the strongest hockey cultures in the Sun Belt over the past decade, with the arena routinely selling out and the Channelside bar scene making pre-game worth arriving early for. Raymond James Stadium also hosts South Florida Bulls college football, giving fans a chance to catch NCAA action in a pro-caliber venue. If schedules align, it is entirely feasible to catch an NHL game one night and a college or NFL game the same weekend, making Tampa one of the more rewarding multi-sport road trip destinations in the Southeast.
Venues in Tampa
Yuengling Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from TPA to downtown Tampa?
The fastest and most practical option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi, which takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly $20-$35. Flat-rate taxis from Yellow Cab or United Cab run approximately $30 to downtown. If you're traveling light, HART bus Routes 10 or 30 connect the airport's rental car center (take the free SkyConnect train from the main terminal) to downtown for $2, but allow 45-55 minutes for the trip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Tampa for a sports trip?
Downtown Tampa is the top pick: it puts you within walking distance of Benchmark International Arena for Lightning games, keeps Ybor City's bar scene a short rideshare away, and gives you easy access to the HART and TECO Line network. For Buccaneers or Bulls games at Raymond James Stadium, consider the Westshore or North Tampa / Dale Mabry corridor to cut down on game-day drive time and parking stress.
Which sports teams play in Tampa?
Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the South Florida Bulls (NCAAF), both playing at Raymond James Stadium, plus the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) at Benchmark International Arena downtown. With all three teams active across fall and winter, there are strong multi-sport weekend opportunities from September through April.
Is Tampa a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Tampa is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Miami, which is hosting matches at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, roughly 280 miles southeast of Tampa.
Sports cities near Tampa
Close enough to pair with a Tampa trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.