The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa fan guide to Tampa for the ReliaQuest Bowl

Tampa provides a multitude of entertainment and dining options within 25 minutes of Raymond James Stadium, where No. 23 Iowa will face No. 14 Vanderbilt on Dec. 31.
Jackson Miller, Sports Reporter
December 16, 2025
Nick Rohlman
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz adresses fans during Outback Bowl Beach Day at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, Florida on Sunday, December 30, 2018. The day’s festivities included a variety of events for fans and general merrymaking.

Iowa football is set to make its 38th bowl game appearance and its seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly known as the Outback Bowl, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa,  Florida. 

Here are some of the top places for fans to visit while in the Sunshine State:

Dining

Cuban cuisine has a large presence in Tampa, and one of the top Cuban restaurants sits just 15 minutes away from Raymond James Stadium. Located at 801 Water Street –off the Garrison Channel — is Columbia Cafe. The waterfront cafe was established in 1905 and offers classic Cuban dishes such as the Cuban Sandwich, a Tampa treasure. The Columbia Cafe also offers a selection of soups, salads, tapas, and desserts. 

Just up the road from Columbia Cafe is the Naked Farmer, located at 1001 Water Street. Naked Farmer offers a large selection of seafood, steak, and chicken dishes with sides of rice, broccoli, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Naked Farmer gets its ingredients from local farmers, ensuring the freshest ingredients for each of their dishes. The restaurant presents family-friendly conditions with plenty of seating and a quiet environment. 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back, pub-style place to hang out with friends and family, Miller’s Ale House is the place to be. Located at 3860 W Columbus Drive – just a 20-minute walk from Raymond James Stadium – Miller’s Ale House presents a classic sports bar feel, with over 60 TVs to catch any game you’d like while enjoying a selection of 35 beers on tap and classic American pub dishes like burgers, wings, or seafood. From beer to signature cocktails, Miller’s Ale House can fill all of your drinking desires. 

Attractions

Listed as the No. 1 thing to do in Tampa by TripAdvisor is Busch Gardens. Just 25 minutes away from Raymond James Stadium, the theme park combines thrilling rides and over 12,000 animals for the ultimate family adventure. From live events, restaurants, and shopping, Busch Gardens offers a multitude of activities for the entire family. 

The park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, until 10 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

If you plan on arriving in Tampa early, the Tampa Bay Lightning will have a home game against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 5 p.m. The Lightning are regarded as one of the best teams in the NHL, and tickets for Sunday’s game are as low as $100 per ticket. The Lightning play at the Benchmark International Arena, located at 401 Channelside Drive, a 15-minute drive from Raymond James Stadium.

One option for experiencing the best of Tampa is the Ybor City Food Tours. This three-hour walking tour offers an opportunity to learn history and taste food from the four cultures that shaped the city — Germans, Cubans, Spanish, and Italians. For a price of around $81 per person, you can visit 4-5 restaurants and use the different cuisines to learn about the history of each culture. The meeting place for the tours is located at 1600 E 7th Ave in the Ybor City Historic District, just a 15-minute drive from Raymond James Stadium.