Tampa Republic

Red Bull Flugtag is set to return to the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday, November 9. This event, which features homemade flying machines being launched into Tampa Bay, is free and open to the public.

An estimated 80,000 spectators are expected to attend along the Tampa Riverwalk. According to Visit Tampa Bay, this competition will have an economic impact of approximately $3,423,000 for Tampa and its surrounding areas.

The teams will launch their aircraft from a 27-foot-high flight deck over the Tampa Convention Center Marina. The event's judges include notable figures such as Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.

More than 30 teams will participate in this year's event. Among them is Team Tampa, comprising service partners from the Tampa Convention Center like Aramark and Encore.

This marks the third time Red Bull Flugtag has taken place in Tampa; it was previously held there in 2011 and 2008.

The event opens at noon with competitions starting at 1 pm. An awards ceremony is scheduled around 4 pm. No tickets are required for entry as it is free.

To avoid congestion and road closures, recommended parking includes Fort Brooke Parking Garage or parking in Ybor with access via the TECO Line Streetcar.

Certain items are prohibited at the event, including firearms, drones, large backpacks, alcohol, pets, tents, and smoking materials. Permitted items include blankets, small umbrellas, strollers, portable chairs, sealed water bottles, empty plastic containers like Camelbaks or Nalgene bottles filled with ice in soft-sided coolers (no large bags), binoculars, and personal camera equipment.

ADA accessibility areas will be available for attendees requiring them. The event will proceed rain or shine but may face delays due to thunder or lightning.

Food and drink options can be found at The Sail bar and Big Ray’s Fish Camp Riverwalk along with pop-up concession stands. Free water stations are also available for refilling bottles on-site.

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