The stage is set for an extraordinary display of engineering prowess, creative flair, and sheer daring as Red Bull Flugtag Tampa prepares to captivate the city on November 9th. This high-flying event will see 32 teams take the plunge from a 27-foot platform, showcasing their innovative craft designs, electrifying performances, and impressive flight distances, all vying for the coveted title before a panel of esteemed judges.

Unleashing the Spirit of Innovation and Adventure in Tampa Bay

Hometown Heroes Take Flight

Among the competitors are past champions, such as the Fantastic Flying Legends of Wrestling, as well as notable new teams like former NFL players Chris Long and Beau Allen's "Put a Wing on It." But the local media powerhouse That's So Tampa / I Love the Burg is set to steal the spotlight with their craft, "The Spirit of St. Pete," representing the rich aviation history of the Tampa Bay region.The Spirit of St. Pete squad, comprising Liam Hawkins, Eli Lockwood, Dominic Cacolici, Jason Fraley, and Lauren Zientarski, embodies the true spirit of aviation. Liam Hawkins, the team's pilot, is no stranger to innovative and creative flying contraptions, having flown the world-famous art plane "The Mooney Anomaly" and designed data centers for the moon. The team's passion for blending bold engineering innovation with a pilot's heart and soul is evident in their design, inspired by the Benoist XIV, which launched the world's first scheduled passenger flight right here in Tampa Bay.

Sustainability and Community Collide

Another local crew, College Hunks Hauling Junk, has taken a unique approach to their design. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the College HUNKS team, known for their community-driven work across Tampa, jumped into action, clearing over 500 truckloads of debris. Now, they've transformed that debris into their flying creation, the "HUNK of Flyin' Junk," ready to showcase their commitment to sustainability and creativity.Co-Founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, along with President Roman Cowan and their spirited mascot CJ the College Junk Hunk, will pilot this eco-friendly craft, demonstrating the city's resilience and the team's dedication to making a positive impact on the community.

A Celebration of Tampa's Resilience and Spirit

With more than 80,000 spectators expected, Red Bull Flugtag Tampa promises to be a thrilling day of entertainment. The free, outdoor event offers first-come, first-serve seating and features activities for fans of all ages, including live music by DJ Dani, a special appearance by Red Bull athlete Parks Bonifay, and a livestream on Tfue's Twitch.Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the city's resilience, stating, "After two major hurricanes in just 13 days, the City of Tampa is still standing, and now, it's time to fly." The event also provides a major boost for local businesses, highlighting the hometown's strength and spirit, as noted by Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins.

A Judging Panel of Legends

The judging lineup for Red Bull Flugtag Tampa is nothing short of impressive, featuring Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, NFL Hall of Famer and Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks, professional gamer and Tampa native Turner "Tfue" Tenney, Red Bull athlete and world champion surfer Caroline Marks, and global YouTube personality Twan Kuyper. Together, they'll evaluate each team's creativity, performance, and distance, ensuring a thrilling and competitive event.As the countdown continues, the anticipation builds for this gravity-defying spectacle that promises to showcase the ingenuity, resilience, and adventurous spirit of Tampa Bay. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Red Bull Flugtag Tampa is an event not to be missed, a celebration of the city's rich aviation history and its unwavering determination to soar to new heights.