No. 13: Tampa
Score: 45.1
Of all the cities in our analysis, Tampa might be one of the most underdeveloped as a sports business market. It boasts a large résumé of properties (11) and events: NFL, NHL and MLB teams; two bowl games; an IndyCar race; a PGA Tour tournament; and recently hosted (or will host) NCAA championships in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey and women’s volleyball, and the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. It also is the headquarters of the Hologic WTA Tour.
Sponsors (15): There aren’t as many brand sponsors in the market as others of this size. Major players include Outback Steakhouse, Hertz and Raymond James Financial. Three major convention and visitors bureaus — Visit St. Pete, Visit Central Florida and Visit Tampa Bay — all have major out-of-market sponsorship deals.
What they’re saying: “In general, there’s a lot going on with the beaches and tourist attractions, but it seems like they’re leaving a lot on the table.”
“The hotel offerings are surprisingly limited and very spread out.” — D.M.
