Tampa Sports Authority Timeline

… <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content><h1 style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Tampa Sports Authority Timeline</h1><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>May 28, 1965</strong> - Governor Hayden Burns signs bill creating the Tampa Sports Authority.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 1, 1965</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority takes over Al Lopez Field baseball facilities and surrounding acreage from Columbus Drive to Buffalo Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 18, 1966</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority takes delivery of check for $4,449,413.89 and orders stadium construction to begin on November 8, 1967 set as completion date.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>November 4, 1967</strong> - First game at Tampa Stadium. The University of Tennessee defeated the University of Tampa 0-38.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 10, 1968</strong> - First professional football game at Tampa Stadium. The Atlanta Falcons played the Washington Redskins in front of 40,915 people. The Redskins defeated the Falcons 16-14.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 24, 1974</strong> - NFL franchise granted to Tampa Bay</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 26, 1975</strong> - The first Rowdies game was held. The Rowdies played Rochester in front of 10,500 people and won 1-0.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 21, 1976</strong> - The first Tampa Bay Buccaneers game was played. The Bucs played Miami in front of a crowd of 67,466 people; Miami won 28-21.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>1978</strong> - TSA takes over courses Babe Zaharias Golf Course, Rocky Point Golf Course and Rogers Park Golf Course from City of Tampa.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 6, 1983</strong> - The first Bandits game was played against Boston; the Bandits won 21-17.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 22, 1984</strong> - SUPER BOWL XVIII Raiders vs Redskins</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>July 15, 1984</strong> - USFL Championship held at Tampa Stadium; Philadelphia defeated Arizona 23 - 3.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>December 23, 1986</strong> - First Hall of Fame Bowl. Boston College beat Georgia 27-24.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 19, 1988</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority announces the New York Yankees will begin spring and winter training at the Tampa Sports Authority Complex located at the corner of Himes Avenue and Columbus Drive.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 27, 1990 -</strong> Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign lease agreement with Tampa Sports Authority through year 2000.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 27, 1991</strong> - SUPER BOWL XXV Giants vs Bills</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 1993</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority introduces plans for the future which includes: the now Benchmark International Arena &nbsp;for the Tampa Bay Lightining, spring training home for the New York Yankees, expansion of Tampa Stadium and plans for a Bucs training complex.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 21, 1995</strong> - Name of Tampa Stadium changed to Houlihan Stadium by right of Buccaneer contract.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 1995</strong> - Hall of Fame Bowl is officially renamed and will now be called the Outback Bowl.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 20, 1995</strong> - USF Bulls sign 10-year agreement with Tampa Sports Authority for stadium to host home football games starting in 1997.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 1, 1996</strong> - The first Outback bowl was played between Penn State and Auburn. Penn State won 43-14.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 1, 1996</strong> - Legends Field opens; The New York Yankees played host to the Cleveland Indians.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 27, 1996</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority backs stadium deal.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 1, 1996</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority and City Council approve stadium deal.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 19, 1996</strong> - Taxpayers on hook for stadium design. Tampa Sports Authority to pay $2 million; Bucs to pay $4 million.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 6, 1996</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority approves sale of south property to Hillsborough Aviation Authority for $19.375 million.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 1996</strong> - The now Benchmark International Arena (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Times Forum) opens its doors to the public.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 15, 1996</strong> - Groundbreaking begins on the new Tampa Community Stadium.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 6, 1997</strong> - University of South Florida played their first football game at Houlihan Stadium, beating Kentucky Wesleyan 80-3.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 20, 1998</strong> - The first Bucs game was played at Raymond James Stadium®. The Bucs defeated the Chicago Bears 27-15.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 30, 1998</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority conveys ownership of Legends Field to Hillsborough County.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 3, 1998</strong> - University of South Florida held its first game at Raymond James Stadium® against Citadel; USF won 45-6.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 1, 1999</strong> - First Outback Bowl was played at Raymond James Stadium® featuring Penn State and Kentucky; Penn State won 26-14.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 18, 1999</strong> - Demolition began on Houlihan Stadium as the first wrecking ball was dropped by Mayor Dick Greco.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 20, 1999</strong> - The Tampa Bay Mutiny played their first game at Raymond James Stadium® against DC United; DC United won 5-2.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 11, 1999</strong> - The last portion of Houlihan Stadium was demolished in an explosion. The lounge box structure was detonated and witnessed by thousands nearby.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 28, 2001</strong> - SUPER BOWL XXXV at Raymond James Stadium®. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7 behind an impressive defensive performance by MVP Ray Lewis.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>December 19, 2003</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority conveys ownership of Raymond James Stadium® to Hillsborough County but retains responsibilities of managing the facility.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>December 30, 2004</strong> - Tampa Sports Authority conveys ownership of the now Benchmark International Arena to Hillsborough County.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 1, 2009</strong> - &nbsp;SUPER BOWL XLIII at Raymond James Stadium®. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 9, 2009</strong> - U2, 360 Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 5, 2010</strong> - After many successful years, Monster Jam expands to two shows per year.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 2, 2012</strong> - Kenny Chesney | Tim McGraw - Brothers of the Sun Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 27, 2014</strong> - IIFA Awards, 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards Ceremony in the United States for the first time at Raymond James Stadium®.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 3, 2014</strong> - One Direction, Where We Are Tour with 5 Seconds of Summer</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 31, 2015</strong> - Taylor Swift, The 1989 World Tour with Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>2016</strong> - Raymond James Stadium® Renovations approval for $100 million dollars in renovations</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 29, 2016</strong> - Beyonce, The Formation World Tour with DJ Khaled</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 3, 2016</strong> - SheBelieves Soccer Cup, USA vs England, Germany vs France</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>January 9, 2017</strong>-&nbsp;Host to the College Football Playoff National Championship</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 14, 2017</strong>- U2, The Joshua Tree Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>July 12, 2017</strong> - CONCACAF Gold Cup, USA vs Martinique, Panama vs Nicaragua</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 24, 2018 </strong>- Supercross returns to Tampa for the first time in 20 years</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 21, 2018 </strong>- Kenny Chesney, Trip Around The Sun Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 23, 2018 </strong>- Luke Bryan, What Makes You Country Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 14, 2018 </strong>- Taylor Swift, Reputation Stadium Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>November 7, 2018 -</strong> Ed Sheeran, North America Stadium Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>December 20, 2018 - </strong>First Gasparilla Bowl played at Raymond James Stadium</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>2019</strong> - Hillsborough County Tournament Sportsplex opens</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 7, 2021</strong> - SUPER BOWL LV, History made Buccaneers vs Chiefs</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 10-11, 2021</strong> - Wrestlemania 37, two nights</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 29, 2021</strong> - Rolling Stones, No Filter Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 23, 2022</strong> - Kenny Chesney, Here and Now Tour with Dan + Shay, Old Dominion and Carly Pearce </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 14, 2022</strong> - Coldplay, Music of Spheres World Tour with H.E.R</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 4, 2022</strong> - The Weekend, After Hours Til Dawn Tour with Kayramada and Mike Dean</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 14-16, 2023 - </strong>Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour, First Multi-Night Concert </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>May 20, 2023 </strong>- Ed Sheehan, Mathematics Tour with Khalid and Dylan </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>July 7-8, 2023 - </strong>Luke Combs, Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old World Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 5, 2023 </strong>- George Straight and Christ Stapleton with Little Big town </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 16, 2023 </strong>- Beyonce, Renaissance World Tour</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 24, 2024 </strong>- Billy Joel and Sting, One Night Only </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 20, 2024 </strong>- Kenny Chesney, Sun Goes Down Tour with Zac Brown Band, Megan Maroney and Uncle Kracker</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>July 11, 2024</strong> <strong>- </strong>Morgan Wallen, One Night At A Time Tour with Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Bryan Martin</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 3, 2024 </strong>- The Stateside Cup, West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace F.C.</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 14, 2024 </strong>- Zach Bryan, The Quittin Time Tour with Jason Isbell &amp; The 400 Unit and Levi Turner </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>October 4, 2024 </strong>- Morgan Wallen, One Night At A Time Tour with Cole Swindell, Nate Smith, and Lauren Watkins</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>February 14, 2025</strong> - Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 15, 2025</strong> - Savannah Bananas, First baseball game, Bananas’ First game in NFL stadium</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>May 16, 2025</strong> - AC/DC, PWR UP Tour with The Pretty Reckless</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 6, 2025</strong> - Metallica, M72 World Tour with Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 8, 2025</strong> - Metallica, M72 World Tour with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>August 2, 2025 </strong>- Chris Brown, Breezy Bowl XX with Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>September 13, 2025 </strong>- My Chemical Romance, “Long Live” The Black Parade with Evanescence</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>November 18, 2025</strong> - US Mens National Team vs Uruguay </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Feburary 1, 2026</strong> - NHL Stadium Series, Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>March 14, 2026</strong> - Zach Bryan, With Heaven on Tour with Caamp and J.R. Carroll </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>April 25/26/28, 2026</strong> - BTS, BTS World Tour Arirang </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 6, 2026 </strong>- England vs New Zealand soccer match </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>June 13, 2026</strong> - Chris Stapleton, All-American Road Show with Allen Stone and Lainey Wilson</p></div> …