Those who spend time looking at the prices and styles of homes for sale are bound to have noted the return of Tampa Bay home values in the past few months. The lifting of the economy is putting confidence in the steps of locals as they go to the mall, work or school. In addition, the sign that things are getting better is also influencing the choices of locals on sports events to attend. To really drive the point home, though, the Tampa area is getting one more professional sports team.
Tampa Bay Rain
Even though the Tampa pro teams boast Tampa Bay, the term is used as a symbol of joint unification for Tampa, Bradenton, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and their respective localities. The Tampa Bay Rain is the latest to join the pro sports, bringing an expansion team from the American Basketball Association (ABA). Games will take place starting in October at the Expo Hall on the Florida Fairgrounds and competition will include teams like the Orlando Kings, Jacksonville Giants and the Gulf Coast Flash.
Tampa Bay Rays
Formerly the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the team kept the cownose rays in the outfield tank, but dropped the Devil from their name in 2007 and changed the team colors and symbol. Part of the American League's Eastern Division, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is their home. Their first winning season was in 2008 and the Rays have maintained a winning attitude and performance since that time, earning two AL East championships among other accomplishments.
Tampa Bay Rowdies
If you are moving from Los Angeles because of Tampa is too enticing to pass up, live soccer events are still possible with the Rowdies, founded in 2008. Going by the name F. C. Tampa Bay due to a conflict of interest on the name (it was the name of the former Tampa Bay soccer team from 1975 to 1993), the dispute was resolved in December 2011 with the Rowdies name official.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The National Football League (NFL) awarded both Tampa and Seattle an expansion team in 1976. The Buccaneers switched to the NFC from the AFC after one season. Their home is at Raymond James Stadium. There have been winning and losing seasons at Raymond James Stadium. The Buc's most memorable moment is the victory against the Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium for the Super Bowl XXXVII championship.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Also called the Bolts, the Lightning is part of the National Hockey League (NHL). Home games take place at Tampa Bay Times Forum (Tampa), a far cry from the Expo Hall and its 11,000 seats at the fairgrounds where they started. These professional sports teams give fans a lot to look forward to in Tampa.