SOF Week will be held at the Tampa Convention Center from May 5 to May 8, 2025, attracting approximately 20,000 attendees to the downtown area. Franklin Street, from Channelside Drive to Harbour Island, including the Harbour Island Bridge, will be closed during the following times: May 5 to May 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. Increased traffic is anticipated around the convention center and other participating venues, especially starting Sunday, May 4. Tuesday, May 6, is expected to be the busiest day.
Attendees are advised to use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. “The event is expected to draw around 20,000 attendees to the convention center and other venues in Downtown Tampa.”
SOF Week 2025 will not feature the capabilities demonstration on the Riverwalk, as it occurs every other year. Nevertheless, noise from military equipment may be heard in the downtown area during the event. “People in the downtown area may still hear some noise around the convention center during this event due to military equipment.”
According to Visit Tampa Bay, SOF Week is anticipated to have an economic impact of more than $17.5 million for Tampa and its surrounding community. “This year, SOF Week will have an estimated economic impact of more than $17.5 million for the City of Tampa and the surrounding community, according to Visit Tampa Bay.”
For more information on road closures, visit Tampa.gov/road-closures.
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