[Frozen Four in Tampa]

10 minutes ago, OshieRoll said:

I was going to recommend Frenchy's.  Another place I'd recommend would be Crabby Bill's.  We went tried it out last year and had a great time.  If you go fishing down there they will cook up your cleaned fish however you like.  The original Hooters is also on Clearwater Beach if anyone wants to check that out (I haven't been).

There original Hooters is actually on Gulf to Bay in Largo.  It is not near the water, however it was remodeled so there really isn't special about going to the "original".  There are tons of Hooters here, and honestly I prefer Winghouse (exact some concept with slightly better food in my opinion).

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

3 hours ago, facetime said:

We are flying into St. Pete-Clearwater Airport but staying in downtown Tampa. What is the best option for transportation to our hotel?

There is no mass transportation so you are stuck with either a taxi, uber or rent a car.

Traffic across the bridge (going to St Pete/Clw to Tampa) can be brutal from around 345-7.  It is hit and miss, but that 25 minute with no traffic drive can easily be 90 minutes to an 120 minutes in peak traffic time.  That can be a rough taxi/uber bill at that hour.  I'd recommend eating somewhere first if you are going to hit that traffic.  I actually work 5 minutes from the SP/CLW airport so I can help you out there.

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

Just now, Cratter said:

With it being separate game tickets this year, there might be a lot of UND fans not buying or selling (skipping) the afternoon game. 

There are going to be a ton of tickets available then

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

Fergs is definitely the best pre game bar in the area.  Closest and most happening.  And one of the better spots to scalp tickets.

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

9 minutes ago, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

Thanks for the local advice Matt. I'm in section 312, row 3. How are the sight lines from the upper bowl? 

You have a great spot.  Not a bad seat honestly.  Plenty of good places you can stand/drink and watch as well

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

1 hour ago, Cratter said:

And in town people? 

Well Berns, but that's like a once a year take the wife on our anniversary type thing.

As an in towner I'd avoid the prototypical beach places and go to more foodie type places. But it depends what is most important for you.

Downtown St Pete is nicer, more fun, and has more food options than downtown Tampa.  You can honestly just walk around and pick a place to eat there That's where I'd go at my age (31 married with 2 kids) if I wanted a night out with the wife. I wouldn't recommend staying near the arena and if you do you need a car. Not a ton to do there.

If you are on the Tampa side I'd also recommend  Ulele.  Great atmosphere and local type food as well

 

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

If you want the beach environment dinner experience I would recommend Frenchys Rockaway Grill on Clearwater beach. Great seafood and awesome atmosphere right on the sand 

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

Also the best restaurant for out of town people would be Berns. Awesome steakhouse and an awesome overall experience and environment.  One of a kind.  Their desert room is awesome as well.  One of the biggest wine cellars in the country that you can tour after dinner

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

2 minutes ago, Cratter said:

I'm trying to understand Busch Gardens. Seems to be half amusement park half zoo. Reviews claimed six rides and very long lines (and hour? especially on a friday?) About a $100 bucks just to get in the door ($80 a ticket plus parking). 

Yes exactly. Although there are more than enough rides to not even bother with the "zoo" part.  One of the better amusement parks you could go to.

They are also in the midst of their food and wine festival with some good bands on the weekends. 

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

15 minutes ago, SiouxperDave said:

Welcome.

I have a room reserved at the Hampton Inn - Rocky Point. Is that a decent area?

Great area. Tons of good restaurants within a minute or two drive.

Also on the water but not what I'd consider the beach, but you'd get a sunset.

You are also a few mins away from our best brewery in the area, Cigar City. If you like beer go check that out

[Frozen Four in Tampa]

Greetings from a UND student that lives in Tampa (going back for MSAE).

im a huge hockey fan as I attend tons of Bolts games a year and in fact one of my best memories was watching them in person win the cup. I will be going to my first college game next week.  Super excited about that!

College sports in general are my passion but my undergraduate school (Uni of Florida) doesn't have a team, so I've really taken to UND this year.

That being said I don't have tickets currently but I doubt it'll be a hard ticket to get.  The bolts sell out every game but those tickets can be scalped for face. Id imagine we can get these for well under face quite easily...

That being said I really came here to offer any advice, tips, tricks or whatever in regards to Tampa.  If you have any questions in regards to where to stay, eat, party, etc please ask. 

First thing remember Tampa is fairly sprawled, so I'd definitely get a car if you want to experience the area.  For example the arena to the beach is a solid 45 mins in no traffic and double tha easy in traffic.