Tampa Republic

SOF Week, a national convention dedicated to Special Operations Forces (SOF), is returning to the Tampa Convention Center, including the highly anticipated military capabilities demonstration, which is open to the public. The convention will take place May 6-10 at the convention center in Downtown Tampa.

The event is expected to draw more than 16,000 attendees to the City of Tampa, including military and government attendees from nearly 80 nations. This event has an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million for the city.

The popular “Battle in the Bay” Capabilities Demonstration, a display of military-tactical might, will be hosted by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) on Wednesday, May 8 at noon on the waterfront outside the Tampa Convention Center. It will highlight the military operations of 10 different nations by land, air, and sea, complete with helicopters, drones, and ships.

In the words of the organizer, attendees are invited to view the demonstration from various designated areas, but they should be prepared for loud noises such as mock gunfire and visual imagery that may be disturbing to some viewers.

Drivers should anticipate additional traffic around the Tampa Convention Center during SOF Week. The Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage will be closed from May 5 to May 9, and the Crossy Bay Ferry will not operate from May 7 through May 9 due to the activities at the Tampa Convention Center Marina.

Apart from the military demonstrations, SOF Week will also involve community projects aimed at giving back. One such project will involve assembling bags of essential hygiene items for the homeless population in Tampa. Additionally, the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation (GSOF) will launch a new initiative called GSOF Gives Back, which supports charities and philanthropic nonprofits that aid the SOF Community.

For those interested in attending or learning more about SOF Week, they can contact the event organizers at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, Florida, or by calling (813) 274-8211.

#TampaProud.