ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY AREA
Welcome to Tampa Bay! Those who choose to join the USF family have an even bigger community to explore: the Tampa Bay area.
With more than two million residents, the Tampa Bay area boasts year-round festivals and activities, and a climate that is pleasant and sunny. The Tampa International Airport consistently ranks as one of the top airports in the country.
The Tampa Bay area is situated off the Gulf of Mexico and features outstanding local beaches. Other draws include Busch Gardens, Adventure Island water park, the Lowry Park Zoo, The Florida Aquarium and historic Ybor City. Orlando, with all of its theme parks, is about one hour away.
Attractions
Busch Gardens: This African-inspired theme park features spectacular roller coasters, exotic endangered species from the Serengeti, live performances, shops, restaurants and more.
Adventure Island: This 30-acre water park adjacent to Busch Gardens features both thrill rides and tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages.
Lowry Park Zoo: Featuring more than 2,000 animals is lush habitats, this favorite bay-area attraction was voted "#1 Family Friendly Zoo in American" by Child Magazine.
The Florida Aquarium: This 200,000-square-foot aquarium features over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals from around the globe.
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI): Featuring more than 450 hands-on activities, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern U.S. where visitors learn through play with fun, interactive exhibit galleries. MOSI is home to Florida’s only IMAX® Dome Theatre.
Event Venues
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: As the largest performing arts complex in the Southeast U.S., this 335,000 square-foot center boasts one of the nation's leading Broadway series.
Raymond James Stadium: Home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USF Bulls Football, this outdoor stadium hosts big-ticket concerts and events year-round.
The St. Pete Times Forum: Home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, this indoor venue hosts concerts, WWE Wrestling and more.
George M. Steinbrenner Field: The spring training home for the New York Yankees, this outdoor stadium hosts concerts and events.
Home of the MLB's Tampa Bay Rays, hosting concerts and events year-round.
Sun Dome: Located on the USF Tampa campus, this indoor facility serves as the home for USF Bulls basketball, and hosts multiple concerts and events year-round.
Ruth Eckerd Hall: One of the finest acoustic performing halls in Florida.
Arts & Culture
USF Contemporary Art Museum: The museum's art collection is comprised of more than 5,000 works, and features exceptional holdings in graphics and sculpture multiples by internationally acclaimed artists.
Tampa Museum of Art: The museum's permanent collection features 20th century and contemporary art and a renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Classes, lectures, seminars, and children's activities complement the exhibitions.
Museum of Fine Arts: Located in St. Petersburg, this museum features traveling exhibitions as well as an impressive permanent display.
The Salvador Dali Museum
Florida Holocaust Museum: Located in St. Petersburg, the museum honors the memory of the millions of innocent people who suffered during the Holocaust.
Ringling Museum of Art: Located on a 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay, the museum offers 21 galleries of European paintings, as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian art, American paintings and contemporary art.
Sports
