Red Bull Flugtag is coming to Tampa, Florida on October 8, 2011 and will be the only event in the United States for 2011!  The last time Red Bull Flugtag visited Tampa, FL was on July 19, 2008 and it set the US record with a crowd of over 110,000 people in Downtown Tampa along with over 1,000 boats viewing the event.  With this year being the only US stop and October being a cooler month than July, the crowds are expected to well exceed the Red Bull Flugtag 2008 Tampa numbers.  We have put together this guide to help you know more about the schedule of events, parking tips, boating tips, and best viewing spots for Red Bull Flugtag Tampa.

First and foremost, Red Bull Flugtag is a FREE EVENT!  People have been selling tickets to the event but there is no ticket required so DO NOT buy any tickets to Red Bull Flugtag!  Even Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi which offers some of the best views of the Garrison Channel and the Flugtag event is not charging a cover (for tables you will have to order from the menu).  If you know of any businesses, people, websites, etc. selling tickets to the Tampa Red Bull Flugtag event, please report them to the local police department. 

The Red Bull Flugtag will be in Downtown Tampa in between the Tampa Convention Center and Jackson's Bistro where the Garrison Channel and Hillsborough River meet.  The current Official schedule of events are as follows with times subject to change:

11:00am Hanger opens for the teams to get their flying craft ready

12:30pm Opening Ceremonies begin

1:00pm First Flight of Tampa Red Bull Flugtag

3:30pm Last Flight

3:45pm Awards and Closing Ceremonies

Again, the event is free and open to the public.  We suggest if you want to get a good spot for viewing these human powered flying contraptions you arrive early.  The first thing you will need to do is find out where to park in Downtown Tampa.

There are several parking garages in Downtown Tampa, however, with over 100,000 people expected to be in the area, we suggest using garages that are not too close to the event.  Some of the parking on Harbour Island and close to the Tampa Convention Center will be reserved to event staff and media.  Plus, the closer you park to the event, the more traffic you have to deal with arriving and departing.  Our suggestions for parking will be in the empty lots in downtown much like you would at a Tampa Bay Lightning game or concert at St Pete Times Forum (lots will be charging for parking but garages cost as well), Central Parking Garage, Channelside Parking Garage, or the many other parking garages downtown.  The In-Town Trolley will also be operating so you don't have to worry about walking if you park further away.  If you plan to watch from Bayshore Blvd, you may still want to park downtown as there is limited parking in that area.  Lastly, you can park in Ybor City as they have a couple of parking garages and you can take the TECO Line Streetcar to the Dick Greco Plaza stop right in front of the convention center.  These are some of your best parking options for Red Bull Flugtag Tampa.  Here is a list of all the parking garages in the area with the prices for event day:

South Regional Garage $10 pre-collection rate
TCC Garage $5 pre-collection rate
Ft. Brooke $10 pre-collection rate
Whiting $10 pre-collection rate
Crosstown Lots $12 flat rate
Ybor Garages $5 pre-collection rate

Keep in mind the Platt Street bridge is closed and there will be no access for pedestrians or vehicles.  If you park in downtown Tampa and want to watch from Bayshore Blvd, you will have to cross at Kennedy Blvd.

Once you get to the event, you will want to know where the best places to view the Red Bull Flugtag Tampa event will be.  The best view (besides being on the flight ramp) will be at Jackson's Bistro as they have some of the best waterfront views of the Seddon Channel.  Viewing from the Tampa Convention Center will also be a good spot, although many areas will not be open to the public as it will be media and event access only.  The S. Harbour Island Blvd bridge offers great viewing as it is a little elevated and should have direct views.  Watching the crafts take flight from Davis Island will offer good views but will be limited as some of the areas with great views are from the Tampa General Hospital and private residential property.  Bayshore Blvd will be closed to traffic and will allow for great views, however, there will be no bleaches like there are for events like Gasparilla.  With this location, you will be close to Publix for food and refreshments.  Lastly, you can watch the Red Bull Flugtag event from the water in designated areas.

If you have a boat, kayak, or other watercraft, there are designated areas where you can view the flights of the Flugtag teams.  If you have a big boat, you are asked to be courteous as there will be all types of watercrafts from boats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddle boards, and much more.  There were opportunities to rent watercrafts from places like Channelside Watersports but they are sold out already.  Another great option would be on the Yacht Starship Cruise but this too is also sold out.  No matter how or where you watch the Red Bull Flugtag, you will not be disappointed!

Obviously, to get the best viewing areas for Red Bull Flugtag Tampa you will need to arrive early.  We are not suggesting you "camp out" for your spot, but know that if you arrive late, you will not get the best view.  There will be free Red Bull samples along with Red Bull products for sale, but since this is an all day event we suggest that you pack some food and drinks to hold you over.  This way if you do get a spot you like, you can anchor down and keep your view for the entire event.

With over 100,000 people going to be attending the event, make sure you carpool, plan ahead, and have fun!  Red Bull will be providing samples as well as selling product and merchandise.  Share this with your friends and family so we can make sure Red Bull Flugtag Tampa 2011 is a fun and safe event so we can expect this event to return sooner than later!