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What are you doing New Year's Eve?
By JENNIFER CONWAY
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 21, 2000
As the year 2000 comes to a close, there are plenty of events celebrating the dawning of 2001. Check out what is going on in Tampa New Year's Eve:
Can't wait for college bowl day? Kick off the excitement a day early with the YBOR BOWL BLAST. A prelude to the Outback Bowl -- Jan. 1 at Raymond James Stadium, (813) 287-8844 -- the event begins with the TECO Energy Parade featuring floats, antique cars and high school and college marching bands. Seventh Avenue will be closed to automobiles for the procession, which will start at 20th Street and end at 13th Street. If you're having trouble getting in the spirit, college bands and their cheerleaders will lead a pep rally at 13th Street and Seventh Avenue. At 8:15 p.m., a 15-minute fireworks display will conclude the event. Call (813) 874-2695.
If you're all dressed up with no place to go, try starting off the new year at ARMANI'S. With a five-course meal, party favors, live piano and a champagne toast at midnight, the festivities are sure to meet all your high-priced New Year's expectations. The evening runs from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs $150 per person. Armani's is located at the Tampa Hyatt Regency Westshore, 6200 Courtney Campbell Parkway, 14th floor, Tampa. Call (813) 281-9165.
Indulge at this year's New Year's Eve Gala at the HYATT REGENCY TAMPA with an open bar, party favors and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Hors d'oeuvres will also be served from 9 to 11 p.m., and the dance floor will be busy through the night as the 12-piece band Bob Macar & Southtown Fever brings in the New Year. When the clock strikes midnight, a brunch buffet will feature fresh fruit, pastries and bread, omelets made to order, chef-carved ham and more. The evening lasts from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and costs $119 (tax and gratuity included) per person. The Hyatt Regency is at Two Tampa City Center, downtown Tampa. For reservations, call (813) 225-1234.
The WYNDHAM WESTSHORE presents its fourth annual Blizzard Ball. This semi-formal, black tie optional event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Children's Cancer Center. The evening includes an open bar, disc jockey and dance floor, hors d'oeuvres, continental breakfast and door prizes. The cost is $100, and ballgoers can receive a special rate for Wyndham Westshore hotel rooms. The hotel is at 4860 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call (813) 870-0190 for reservations.
If you missed them last year, make tracks to SKIPPER'S SMOKEHOUSE to see the Appalachian-influenced roots band Donna the Buffalo. The 6-piece band from upstate New York says it brings a universal message of tribal warmth and celebration with a blend of musical genres. Along with the performance will be champagne at midnight, party favors and breakfast. The evening costs $35 in advance and $50 at the door, and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Skipper's is at 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. Call (813) 971-0666.
"Celebrate Safe" this year at the BUSCH GARDENS non-alcohol family party. The African theme park will run its roller-coasters, offer up-close animal encounters and host a daring skateboard exhibition team from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. A fireworks display will color the sky with the dropping of the the park's own ball at midnight. Dancing and music also will be provided by WSSR-FM 95.7 and WFLZ-FM 93.3. With a signed pledge card to "celebrate safe," guests will be placed in a drawing with a chance to win an Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park vacation. Tickets cost $24.95 in advance and $29.95 the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation. The park is at 3000 E Busch Blvd., Tampa. Call (813) 987-5777.
Enjoy a Halloween tradition this New Year's Eve at PLANET 9-BALL: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The performance by Larger Than Life Cast 6 will take place at midnight. Along with the show, a DJ will play 80s new wave, and breakfast will be served at 2 a.m. The party starts 8 p.m., and tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call (813) 818-7665.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and magic of the Broadway hit PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Carol Morsani Hall this New Year's Eve. As if the show isn't enough, it is followed by a party in Jaeb Theater. With live music and a dance floor, you can lose yourself in the "music of the night." Hor d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening along with a cash bar and champagne toast at midnight. The evening lasts from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. The musical and party package costs $125 and includes premium seats in the front orchestra. The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is at 1010 N WC Macinnes Place, Tampa. Call (813) 229-1000 for more information.
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