Tampa / 2017 National Championship Game - Opinions

BeeBoating

Member
Apr 6, 2008
62
Ohio/Florida
Boat Info
2017 Riviera 6000SY
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Volvo IPS950
So, if things roll right this weekend and our team wins one more game after that, it's Tampa bound. We've been to two National Championship games and the whole environment is just awesome, electric, etc.

We live in Ohio, have a 52DB in Ft. Myers. Any opinions on taking the boat up to the Tampa are for the game? Any marinas/areas that would have a fun vibe? St. Pete? Tampa Convention Center? Or, would we just be better off to make it a land trip?

Thanks in advance!
 
Can't help with your question, but GO BUCKS!!

I assume I picked the right team given your location. :)
 
The Vinoy Marina in downtown St. Pete is beautiful, close to great restaurants, shops, parks, museums, etc. The Vinoy also has full resort amenities with heated pools, bars, restaurants, tennis and golf. However, in strong easterlies the basin can get like a washing machine since there is no breakwater, but that is not very often. This would be my first choice if in a 52DB.

There is also St. Pete Municipal marina which is basically right next to the Vinoy. More protected, and probably a little less expensive, but if you need amenities, it won't compare to the Vinoy.

Tampa has the Marriott Waterside, but a fixed bridge will restrict you getting in unless it is low tide. Right next to the Marriott is the Tampa Convention Center but this is not much of a transient marina... a few water taxi's and the local St. Pete/Tampa ferry use it as a stop. There are a few slips that I suspect will be busy with the National Championship in town, and this would be the closest to the stadium.

If I were doing it, I would stay at the Vinoy, enjoy all that St. Pete has to offer, and then either Uber or take the Tampa/ St. Pete Cross Bay Ferry (www.crossbayferry.com) over to Tampa for the game and festivities.

Brian
 
I second what Brian said. We just spent the weekend at the St. Petersburg Boat Show and the marina and surrounding downtown are awesome. Beautiful and so much to do with in walking distance of the marina. Good luck!
 
If you plan on spending time at the spa or sitting out on the veranda the Vinoy is a nice spot. If you want to have fun go on the hook in the same basin then dink to land and you can walk everywhere and save money for the fun. The ferry over to Tampa can work for oneway transportation to the game but you will need to Uber back as well as Uber from the Tampa ferry landing to the game. Tampa stadium is a few miles away. You can see if there are any docks left at the Tampa convention center but there is not too much to do within walking distance.
 

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