The downtown Tampa area is expected to see an influx of more than 30,000 people on Saturday, December 9th, due to several large-scale events coupled with road closures and on-going construction projects, making navigating in and out of downtown more challenging. The City of Tampa is encouraging alternate travel modes for downtown over the weekend.
The City of Tampa Mobility Department is encouraging those who plan to travel downtown on Saturday to continue taking advantage of the multitude of alternative transportation options available. There will be road closures around the Tampa Bay area.
The upcoming events/event locations include, but are not limited to:
Amalie Arena
Comedian Nate Bargatze performing two shows (3pm & 7pm)
Curtis Hixon Park
Annual OnBikes Wonder Ride (2pm – 11pm)
Winter Village (10am – 10pm)
Tampa Convention Center
Champions League: All Star Cheerleading (9am – 7:30pm)
Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K Race Registration (Packet pickup is from 10am – 5:30pm. Actual race is Sunday 12/10)
USAA Holiday Party (7pm – 11pm)
Straz Center
Multiple performances (2pm-11pm)
Armature Works
Seven different events (11am – 12am)
ROAD CLOSURES:
The following downtown road closures in effect Saturday include but are not limited to:
- Brorein Street from S Florida Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard
- Bayshore Boulevard from W Brorein Street to W Bay to Bay Boulevard
- N Ashley Drive (SB Lanes Only) from W Cass Street to W Kennedy Boulevard
- Ashley Drive from Kennedy Boulevard to Brorein Street
WAYS TO GET AROUND:
Due to the expected high volume of vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, the City of Tampa Mobility Department recommends downtown visitors consider using alternative methods of travel. Other options include:
- Parking in Ybor City and riding the FREE TECO Streetcar to your destination.
- Hailing a ride through DASH, which services Tamps seven downtown neighborhoods, or one of many ride-share services (Uber, Lyft).
- Using public transit (HART Buses)
- Hopping on the Pirate Water Taxi, which has multiple stops along the Riverwalk.
- Taking an e-scooter, bicycle or simply walking.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Drivers should expect delays in and out of downtown Tampa to be longer than usual.
- Drivers should plan to arrive early for their event, allotting extra time to find parking.
- Remember where you parked by taking a picture of the location as a reminder.
- Take a picture of your children. If they get lost in the crowd, a photo will assist law enforcement with locating them.
- As always, be alert and use extra caution when navigating large crowds, paying careful attention to the many pedestrians in the area.
