We met with officials with College Football Playoff and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission to not only get a sneak peek at this weekend’s events (like the amazing Playoff Fan Central at the Tampa Convention Center!), but to get some insider knowledge to share with you!
One of our favorite events is the Playoff Fan Central. Consider it a 200,000 football theme park where your kids can run, throw, jump and become a football player for the day!
“Every year we see children in football uniforms,” Bill Hancock, executive director of College Football Playoff told us. “They love to run and play. They can kick things, throw things, they really can’t get into any truble. There’s no mischief to be had here.”
Each area in the Convention Center is divided up into an interactive experience. Whether its playing with Legos or Duplo bricks, going for a life size field goal kick or taking part in the Quarterback Challenge, there truly is something for everyone in the family. We kept hearing the word ‘activations’ being used to describe each area and they aren’t kidding! Your kids will constantly be on the move.
“You can test your field goal skills, you can test your passing skills. We’ve got a great field. There’s going to be great food and beverage,” explained Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
The kids can take a break from the activities to meet football legends and even take pictures with trophies. Make sure to bring your camera or ensure you’ve got plenty of space on your smart phone, because you’ll be taking a ton of pictures of the kids in action.
While kids 12 and younger are FREE when accompanied by an adult, HIggins gave us the scoop on how everyone in the family can attend multiple events on Saturday for FREE.
“If you attend College Football Playoff Media Day on Saturday morning at Amalie Arena, you’ll get a free ticket to the Playoff Fan Central after you are done with that event, so you can go from Media Day at Amalie Arena which is free , to Playoff Fan Central for free and then walk up the Riverwalk and go to the Flo Rida concert at the AT&T Playlist Live. You can’t beat it,” he told us. (And speaking of the Tampa Riverwalk, it’s a great place for a date night!)
Click here to learn more about College Football Playoff National Championship events
Media Day is an event where fans can be there as coaches and players are interviewed by more than 1,000 members of the media. It’s a unique experience to see what goes on behind the camera of your favorite sporting events. This family-friendly event also features interactive activities and celebrity  appearances.
Sounds like a win-win-win to us!
Media Day Schedule: 9am-10am: Alabama, 10:30-11:30am: Clemson
Parking will not be easy this weekend, so make sure you leave early, plan ahead and pack your patience. Click here for more information on parking and transportation. You can even take advantage of a FREE Uber ride courtesy of Uber and AT&T! Learn more here.
Saturday is a great day to take advantage of all of this weekend’s Championship events since rain is in the forecast. But, you can also make plans for Friday or Sunday! Playoff Fan Central is open Friday from 3pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-8pm.
Children 12 and younger are FREE when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 online through Ticketmaster.
Check out our Sneak Peek video:
Here are some more behind the scenes photos so you know what to expect when you attend Playoff Fan Central:
