Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park is gearing up for a major celebration as St. Patrick's Day festivities converge with spring break excitement this weekend. According to the City of Tampa's announcement, an estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend the River O' Green event and the St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow. Visitors should be ready for a full day of activities, with River O' Green festivities kicking off at 11:00 A.M. and running through until 6:00 P.M., while the parade is set to start at 3:00 P.M.
Due to the events, traffic will likely see a significant increase in congestion. Parade-goers should note that the route will remain the same as the previous year, beginning at Morgan St. & Madison St., making its way onto Ashley Dr., and concluding at Ashley Dr. and Polk St. Road closures will be in place, so attendees can expect detours, as well as increased difficulty in finding parking. For those on the water, be aware that the Hillsborough River will be off-limits to traffic between Cass St. and Kennedy Blvd. from 8:30 A.M. to noon.
That's not the end of Saturday's bustle—sports fans will also be heading to a Tampa Bay Sun FC soccer match at 7:30 P.M. at Blake High School, and later, a staggering 60,000 spectators are anticipated at Raymond James Stadium to see the Savannah Bananas play. This will likely lead to further congested roads as fans make their way to and from the stadium.
To keep the weekend enjoyable and stress-free, the city is encouraging attendees to consider alternate transportation options. Free TECO Streetcar, Dash Service, HART buses, rentable scooters, or rideshare services are available for those looking to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking. With such a high volume of activities and attendees, strategic planning is key to ensuring the day goes smoothly.
