Tampa Republic

Varsity Spirit is returning to the Tampa Convention Center for the second year in a row, bringing more than 26,000 attendees. As the event organizer states, “The Youth Summit, The Recreation Summit, and The Celebration will take place at the Tampa Convention Center April 25-28.”

The upcoming cheerleading competitions will result in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic near the Tampa Convention Center, with events scheduled from 8am to 10pm Thursday and Friday, 8am to 8pm Saturday, and 7am to 4pm Sunday.

The economic impact of this event on the City of Tampa is significant, with an estimated value exceeding $15 million. The number of hotel room nights contracted for the event has nearly doubled from the previous year, reaching 14,928.

The projected attendance at the competitions is expected to surpass 26,000 individuals, a substantial increase from last year's 12,000 attendees. This includes over 600 cheerleading teams, 10,000 cheerleaders, and 1,500+ coaches, with participants and spectators coming from 41 different states and five countries.

For those attending the Varsity Spirit cheerleading competitions, it is advised to be aware of the ongoing construction project that has affected access to the Tampa Convention Center. Parking options are available at the Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage and Pam Iorio Parking Garage, with additional drop-off and pick-up spots located in front of Harpoon Harry's Crab House.

Visitors can utilize the free TECO Line Streetcar to reach the convention center conveniently. Food and beverage concessions will be accessible inside the Exhibit Halls and throughout the Tampa Convention Center, along with offerings from Big Ray’s Fish Camp Riverwalk and food trucks stationed outside the venue.

For more information about the event, attendees are encouraged to visit Varsity.com.