A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Buccaneers and Bulls: Conquering Raymond James Stadium
There are few venues in the NFL as iconic as Raymond James Stadium (4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607). Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls, "Ray Jay" is famous for its massive pirate ship in the north end zone that fires cannons when the home team scores. But any local will tell you that the traffic on Dale Mabry Highway leading up to kickoff can be as intimidating as the Buccaneers' defense.
Parking at Raymond James is vast, but it can be confusing and expensive, often requiring long walks in the Florida heat to get to the stadium entrance. When you book a charter bus with Charter Bus Tampa, you streamline the entire process. Your driver can drop your group off near the stadium entrance, allowing you to bypass the long trek. If you are there to tailgate, a charter bus offers ample undercarriage storage for coolers, tents, folding chairs, and even portable grills. You can set up your base of operations right next to your air-conditioned bus, giving your group a place to cool off before heading inside for the game.
For USF Bulls fans, we offer dedicated campus shuttles from the university area in North Tampa down to the stadium, ensuring students and alumni travel together comfortably. Whether it’s a primetime Monday Night Football game or a Saturday afternoon college rivalry, we have the fleet to handle your crowd.
The Ice Palace: Hockey Nights at Amalie Arena
Located in the heart of the Channelside District, Amalie Arena (401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602) is the thunderous home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The atmosphere here is electric, but the downtown location presents specific logistical challenges. Parking garages in downtown Tampa fill up hours before puck drop, and street parking is virtually non-existent. Navigating the one-way streets and pedestrian traffic near Water Street can be a headache for anyone not familiar with the city.
A private minibus rental is the perfect solution for hockey fan groups. Your driver can navigate the downtown congestion and drop your group off within walking distance of Thunder Alley, the plaza outside the arena where fans gather to watch the game on massive screens and enjoy live music. After the game, while thousands of fans are stuck in the parking garage gridlock, your group can board your waiting bus for a seamless exit.
Amalie Arena also hosts major basketball tournaments and indoor football. If you are a visiting team competing at the arena, our full-size charter buses provide the legroom tall athletes need, along with plenty of storage for gear bags and uniforms. We can even arrange shuttle service between the arena and nearby hotels like the Tampa Marriott Water Street or the Embassy Suites.
Baseball in the Bay: The Rays and Spring Training
Tampa Bay is unique in that its Major League Baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays, plays across the bay at Tropicana Field (1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705). For Tampa residents, this means crossing the Howard Frankland or Gandy Bridge. During rush hour—which often coincides with first pitch—this drive can be stressful. By renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Tampa, you turn the commute across the bay into a pre-game party. Your group can relax in reclining seats, enjoy the air conditioning, and chat about stats while a dedicated driver handles the bridge traffic.
However, Tampa itself is the legendary home of New York Yankees Spring Training at George M. Steinbrenner Field (1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa, FL 33614). Located right across directly from Raymond James Stadium, this venue draws massive crowds in February and March. If you are organizing a group trip for Spring Training, booking a bus is essential. We can create a custom itinerary that takes you to the game during the day and then shuttles you to dinner at nearby legends like Mons Venus or stops at the International Plaza for shopping.
Don't forget the minor league action! We frequently transport groups to see the Tampa Tarpons or over to Clearwater to see the Threshers. No matter which diamond you are heading to, we cover all the bases for transportation.
Amateur Athletics and Tournament Travel
Tampa isn't just for the pros; it is a massive hub for youth sports and amateur tournaments. The Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay (6101 N 34th St, Tampa, FL 33610) hosts huge soccer, lacrosse, and rugby tournaments that draw teams from across the country. Managing transportation for a roster of teenagers, their parents, and their equipment can be a nightmare if everyone drives separately.
Charter Bus Tampa specializes in sports team travel. We work with coaches and athletic directors to ensure the team stays together, arrives on time for warm-ups, and gets back to the hotel comfortably for curfew. Our buses are equipped with overhead bins for personal bags and massive luggage bays under the bus for bulky sports equipment. Onboard WiFi and power outlets allow student-athletes to finish homework or review game tape on the way to the field.
We also service the University of Tampa spartans and travel teams visiting Hillsborough Community College. Whether it is a track meet, a swim meet at the Bobby Hicks Pool, or a cheerleading competition at the convention center, we have the right vehicle to fit your team size and budget.
Golf Outings in the Sunshine State
For many sports fans, the action happens on the fairway. Tampa is home to some of the finest golf courses in Florida, including TPC Tampa Bay (5300 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558) and the historic Rogers Park Golf Course. Organizing a corporate golf outing or a bachelor party weekend on the links? A charter bus is the best way to transport your group and your clubs.
Golf bags are bulky and difficult to fit into standard rideshare vehicles or rental cars. A minibus from Charter Bus Tampa has ample space to store everyone's clubs securely. We can pick your group up from Tampa International Airport (TPA), take you to your resort—like the expansive Saddlebrook Resort—and shuttle you to different courses throughout the weekend. Enjoy a few drinks at the "19th hole" clubhouse knowing you have a designated driver ready to take you to your next destination.
The Ultimate Tailgating Experience
In Tampa, the game is only half the fun. Tailgating is a serious tradition here, whether it is in the grass lots at Ray Jay or the parking structures near Amalie. When you rent a charter bus, you elevate your tailgate to VIP status. You don't have to worry about fitting the cooler in the trunk or who is going to drive home after a few beers.
Our buses come with amenities that make tailgating a breeze. You can utilize the bus's shading for relief from the Florida sun, use the onboard restroom (available on full-size coaches) to avoid long lines at portable toilets, and keep your group organized in one central location. Just let our reservation specialists know your plans so we can ensure you have a bus that meets your party needs.
Post-Game Celebrations: SoHo and Ybor City
After the final whistle blows, the night is often just beginning. Tampa has incredible nightlife districts that are perfect for post-game celebrations. SoHo (South Howard Avenue) is packed with sports bars like MacDinton's and The Lodge, while historic Ybor City offers a vibrant mix of clubs, cigar bars, and dining along 7th Avenue.
Parking in these districts is notoriously difficult, especially on weekends. With a Charter Bus Tampa rental, your driver can drop you off right in the middle of the action and pick you up at a designated time and location. This ensures everyone gets home comfortably after a night of celebrating a big win. We can create a custom hop-on, hop-off itinerary that takes you from the stadium to dinner at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor, then over to the bars in SoHo, and finally back to your hotel or residence.
Score Big with a Charter Bus Rental Today
Don't let traffic on I-4 or the stress of parking ruin your game day experience. Whether you are a coach coordinating a tournament or a fan planning the ultimate tailgate, Charter Bus Tampa has the winning play for your group transportation. We offer transparent pricing, modern vehicles, and 24/7 customer support to ensure your trip goes into overtime—in a good way!
Our representatives are available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next sports trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 352-776-5020. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30-seconds. With just a few pieces of information, you can instantly see images and prices of available vehicles in the Tampa area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Sports Transportation
How much storage space is available for sports equipment?
Our full-size 56-passenger charter buses feature massive undercarriage luggage bays that are perfect for sporting equipment. We can easily accommodate football pads, hockey bags, lacrosse sticks, baseball equipment, and golf clubs. Inside the bus, there are overhead bins for personal items like backpacks and duffel bags. If you are renting a minibus (18-25 passengers), storage may be more limited to the rear of the bus, so be sure to tell our team exactly what equipment you are bringing so we can match you with the right vehicle.
Where does the bus park during the game?
Bus parking policies vary by venue. At Raymond James Stadium and Tropicana Field, there are specific lots designated for buses and oversized vehicles, usually for a fee that must be paid upon entry or in advance. Your driver will drop you off as close to the entrance as allowed and then park the bus in the designated lot. You will need to cover the cost of parking for the bus. We recommend confirming parking details with the specific venue or asking our team for advice when you book.
Can the bus take us to a restaurant after the game?
Yes! One of the biggest benefits of renting with Charter Bus Tampa is flexibility. When you book your trip, you can build a custom itinerary that includes stops before and after the sporting event. Whether you want to grab dinner at a steakhouse near the airport or hit the bars in Ybor City, your driver will take you there. Just make sure to include these stops in your itinerary when booking so we can quote you accurately for the time.
How far in advance should I book my sports charter bus?
We recommend booking as soon as the schedule is released! Major sporting events in Tampa, especially NFL games, college rivalries, and playoff games, create high demand for charter buses. Ideally, you should try to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure the best selection of vehicles and pricing. However, we know sports can be unpredictable—if you need a last-minute rental for a playoff run, give us a call at 352-776-5020, and we will do our best to accommodate your team or fan group.