TailGreater: College Football Playoff National Championship travel guide to Tampa
Well, this is it. In five short days, the final college football game of the season will be played. I know, it's sad, but now would be an apt time to remember that as with anything in life, the meaning can be found in the journey, and not necessarily the ending.
This is especially important to remember right now, because chances are that the actual championship game will end in a rout and another championship for the Crimson Tide. But hey! Everyone knows that the pregame is more important than the game-game, so allow us to help make your college football national championship game experience the best it can possibly be.
Playlist of the Week: The National Championship Pump Up Mix
Since this is the last week of college football for a while, we figured that we should go out with a bang. Classic pump-up jams like "Eye of the Tiger" are featured here, as long with future classics like Sia's "Chandelier" and Fall Out Boy's "Centuries."
It's a playlist full of pure adrenaline this week, lovingly handcrafted by skilled Spotify curators to maximize your enjoyment of this, the last week of college football. So crack open a beer, yell slogans at your friends, and close the season out right while singing along to "Seven Nation Army." You know you want to.
Where to eat
Sims Smoked Barbecue and Seafood (12008 East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard)
Though this food truck isn't in Tampa proper, Sims Smoked Barbecue & Seafood is definitely worth the short trip over to nearby Seffner. Reviewers swear that they can smell the delicious smoky aroma of the barbecue from blocks away, and that you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. If you want some authentic Tampa cuisine however, be sure to try the smoked mullet fish. Just be sure to order ahead, or be prepared to wait a little bit, since everything at Sims is cooked fresh to order.
AJ's Press (4406 North Cortez Avenue)
The one damning thing about AJ's Press is that it is closed on Sundays, meaning that you can't stop by before or after Buccaneers games for a meal most of the time. Luckily, the college football championship game is on a Monday, so you'll have no reason not to stop by this nearby sandwich shop.
The Cuban, the crunchy chicken, and the beer braised brisket sandwich all come highly recommended, as do the unique waffle chips and jalapeño hush puppies. Just be aware that the sandwiches are pretty heavy, so it might be wise to stick to light beers at the tailgate.
4 Rivers Smokehouse (623 South MacDill Avenue)
Your first sign that 4 Rivers Smokehouse of South Tampa is a legit barbecue spot is the fact that they proudly serve Cheerwine soda. Your second sign will come when the smoky aromas hit you. 4 Rivers has a ton of menu options for even the most discerning barbecue gourmands, and has an extensive selection of vegetarian options as well.
Of particular note are the Texas Destroyer sandwich, the Six Shooter platter, the burnt ends, and the tacos. Just be aware that parking is almost nonexistent at this location, so be prepared to either Uber over or embark upon an epic quest for that one last spot.
What to see
First of all, just know that if you're going to be in Tampa for the game, be prepared to spend plenty of time outside. It's t-shirt weather year-round there, so there's no excuse not to go out and see the sights. Of particular note is the Tampa Riverwalk, a long, beautiful stretch beloved by tourists, boaters, joggers, and locals alike. Plenty of local businesses line the riverwalk, and there are plenty of events taking place downtown near the riverwalk during the weekend of the game. You'll also definitely want to check out the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, as well as the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry (though the museum is closed on the Monday of the game). If you want to venture out of downtown, however, there just happens to be a Busch Gardens right nearby as well.
Where to cheer
As a general note, there is a three-day long event at the Tampa Convention Center from Friday the 6th running through Sunday the 8th for all fans to attend and enjoy. This official event will feature bands, interactive games and activities, appearances from celebrities, and performances from both the Clemson and Alabama marching bands.If you're an Alabama fan:
The Tampa Bay chapter of the Crimson Tide Alumni Association has a whole bunch of activities planned, including a warm-up party at Tampa Joe's, and game day viewing parties at Tampa Joe's and EATS American Grill. The alumni association is also selling $25 "Championship Passports" that include maps, guidebooks, and access to discounts and specials (including special Alabama-themed drinks!) for 23 participating venues.If you're a Clemson fan:
You need look no further than the Tampa Bay Clemson Club. They are hosting a Clemson Club Happy Hour on January 7th at Soho Saloon, a welcome party at Yeoman's Cask and Lion on the 8th, and three viewing parties for the actual game on the 9th. All of these events can be found on the club's events page on Facebook, so be sure to RSVP there.More must-reads: