How the MLS helped steer Joe Mansueto to become the Chicago Fire owner — and why he ‘loves’ the team’s name

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-joe-mansueto-20190916-wh3nety72venlc2xcthfbqfsaa-story.html

How the MLS helped steer Joe Mansueto to become the Chicago Fire owner — and why he ‘loves’ the team’s name

Mansueto said he “looked at a few other cities” for potential investment, but Garber told him the league has seen success with two things: A downtown stadium and local ownership.

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https://o.canada.com/travel/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-in-tampa-bay

Take a walk on the wild side in Tampa Bay

If you’re among the thousands of Canadians who flock to Florida each year, exploring Tampa Bay’s rich history is an exciting alternative to Orlando’s theme parks and Miami’s party scene.

Back in June, a strange silence reigned outside Tampa Bay’s Amalie Arena.

When I booked a trip months in advance to the rapidly growing city of more than three million on Florida’s west coast, I figured odds were good that the NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning would play in the Stanley Cup final during my visit.

Instead, the Lightning were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fortunately, beyond the follies of pro sports teams, there are tons of ways for visitors to whoop it up in this underrated destination.

If you’re among the thousands of Canadians who flock to Florida each year, exploring Tampa Bay’s rich history is an exciting alternative to Orlando’s theme parks and Miami’s party scene.

A mural in Tampa Bay’s Ybor City depicts the district’s colourful history. LUCAS AYKROYD

On a humid 30 C afternoon, I took a two-hour guided walking tour of Ybor City. In the early 20th century, it reigned as the cigar-making capital of the world, producing one million cigars a day, six days a week. Ybor City has been a National Historic Site, including some 1,000 registered buildings, since 1990.

“I’ve smoked four to six cigars a day for the last 50 years,” said guide Steven Stamberger (not to be confused with Stamkos) of Ybor City Historic Walking Tours.

Tampa Bay has legendary historical buildings, like The Castle in Ybor City. LUCAS AYKROYD

As we strolled past the Italian Club, he described how Vicente Ybor Martinez came here in 1884 at age 68 to launch his cigar empire. Opium dens and bordellos abounded for the workers, who hailed from everywhere from Cuba to China, and Ybor City was Mafia-controlled. “It was like Las Vegas without police,” said Stamberger.

We encountered one oddity after another. In the Ybor City Centennial Park, wild chickens – direct descendants of the earliest chickens from 100 years ago, roamed freely. I found out the nearby Jose Marti Park, named after a legendary Cuban revolutionary, has been Cuban territory since 1956 – although Stamberger said seeking sanctuary there while fleeing the cops isn’t a winning bet.

Learn about pirates at the Tampa Bay Historical Center. LUCAS AYKROYD

Travelling back even further in time, I also enjoyed my visit to the waterfront Tampa Bay History Center. How can you go wrong with firing a cannon in an interactive pirate ship simulation?

In the Treasure Seekers exhibition, I also delighted in learning how to tie knots and how to use an astrolabe and sextant to navigate by the stars.

When I read the famous words of Irish pirate Anne Bonny to Captain John “Calico Jack” Rackham after their 1720 capture, “Had you fought like a man, you need not have been hang’d like a dog,” it naturally reminded me of the Lightning’s first-round exit.

NHL fans learn about local hockey history at the Tampa Bay History Center. LUCAS AYKROYD

The History Center displays artifacts ranging from traditional Seminole bows and arrows to helmets and body armour used by the Spanish conquistadors. The Year-Round Play Gallery includes a plaque commemorating the Lightning’s 6-2 win over the New York Rangers on opening night at their new arena on October 24, 1996. It’s signed by team founder Phil Esposito and his younger brother Tony, both Hockey Hall of Famers.

If you have kids who’d die if they went to Florida without visiting a theme park, or are just a kid at heart yourself, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a fun foray. I cabbed out there one morning and got my G-force on with electrifying roller coasters like Sheikra, Tigris, and Cheetah Hunt.

This 335-acre theme park also has a zoo with something in the neighbourhood of 12,000 animals. Taking a walk on the wild side, I checked out flamingos, giraffes and lions before downing a $13.99 plant-based Impossible Burger with fries and iced tea for lunch.

Chicken and rice is a classic dish at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa Bay. LUCAS AYKROYD

Tampa Bay’s burgeoning food scene is gaining a reputation. Travel Pulse recently named it one of the “30 Best Foodie Cities in America.” I loved expanding my culinary horizons here. (And if I hadn’t gone running on the Tampa Riverwalk, a paved 4.2-kilometre pedestrian trail marking its 30th anniversary this year, my waistline would have expanded too.)

The 1905-founded Columbia Restaurant occupies an entire Ybor City block. I devoured a traditional Spanish-Cuban meal, including chicken with yellow rice, bean soup, a Cuban sandwich with smoked ham and pork loin and sangria. The restaurant bustled with families dining around a leafy, central fountain depicting a child frolicking with a dolphin.

Oxford Exchange makes a great kale scramble for breakfast in Tampa Bay. LUCAS AYKROYD

For a healthy breakfast, Oxford Exchange delivered the goods. It’s hard to believe this mixed-use space on West Kennedy Boulevard, which includes an artsy bookstore and gift shop, formerly served as a horse stable. In the airy atrium with a glass ceiling, I fueled up with a kale scramble made from egg whites, sweet potato and roasted red peppers.

For a shameless late-night carbs fest, I popped into Eddie and Sam’s N.Y. Pizza. Alas, it had nothing to do with Sammy Hagar replacing David Lee Roth in Van Halen in 1985. Yet I wasn’t disappointed with the big pies, made with New York water since 1998. Buffalo chicken and spinach slices, washed down with Coke, left me as ebullient as the teens packing this popular hangout.

Of course, I also needed somewhere to ponder deep questions, such as “How could Nikita Kucherov lead the NHL with 128 points but go goalless against underdogs like Columbus and Finland in the 2019 IIHF World Championship semi-final?”

Sparkman Wharf is a great place to get a drink in Tampa Bay, Florida. LUCAS AYKROYD

At Fermented Reality Biergarten, I contemplated the subject while sipping my local Dunedin Apricot Peach Ale (6.2% ABV). This craft beer bar is the central tenant at Sparkman Wharf, a permanent outdoor riverside food fair near Amalie Arena.

From Boat Run’s oyster tacos to Flock & Stock’s spicy chicken sandwiches, I could easily have stayed here for hours, raiding kiosks like a culinary pirate.

Aloft Tampa Downtown is a boutique Tampa Bay hotel. LUCAS AYKROYD

When I needed a break from the heat, the Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel offered a safe harbour. This 130-room boutique property boasts an eye-grabbing lobby with psychedelic, cartoonish portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali and other pop culture icons. With an outdoor pool, a free coffee machine, and a king-sized bed at my disposal, I had nothing to complain about.

If the Las Vegas oddsmakers are correct, Lightning fans will quit their kvetching too when Tampa Bay bounces back to win the 2020 Stanley Cup.

While that’s still up in the air, I’m tempted to come back on January 25 for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, featuring a parade with more than 300,000 spectators. Or perhaps I’ll return another time to catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL game or a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game.

Whatever I do, it’ll be a wild time.

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https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/2019/09/16/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-tuesday-sept-17/

Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Tuesday, Sept. 17

PUP brings a performance to Ybor City, see work from the Art of Dr. Seuss collection at Syd Entel and three Tampa attractions observe Swaptember.

On Tuesday, Pup will play the Orpheum in Tampa's Ybor City. [Courtesy of Vanessa Heins]
Published Yesterday

PUP: The Toronto punk rockers perform following the release of their album Morbid Stuff, with indie rock outfit Ratboys opening. $20 and up. 7 p.m. The Orpheum, 1915 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. (813)...

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https://www.wtsp.com/video/news/local/tampa-chef-cooks-bahamas-hurricane-dorian/67-59d3ac36-fd05-46a3-92f4-01e432dd5911

Tampa chef cooks 'nonstop' to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas

It’s been nearly nonstop cooking for Tampa’s Chef Gaston Meredith. The owner of a successful Ybor City catering company, Chef G -- as he’s known -- left his business behind to spend a week volunteering with Mercy Chefs in the Bahamas.

https://on.wtsp.com/2kgEMSE 

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https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21086941/ybor-city-ice-cream-the-new-red-star-rock-bar-and-more-tampa-bay-restaurant-openings

Chill Bros. ice cream comes to Ybor, fork-free chicken and waffles, and more in Tampa Bay foodie news

It's pretty easy to find the new Chill Bros. ice cream shop in Ybor City, Florida.
JENNA RIMENSNYDER

As if we could go a week without filling you in on the new bites and brews around Tampa Bay. This week we celebrate Red Star’s new location, ice cream hitting the streets of Ybor, a St. Petersburg wine lounge coming soon-ish, and a few other newbies. Stay up to date via cltampa.com/food-drink.

OPENINGS

Anchor and Brine The indoor-outdoor concept and cocktail bar located within the Tampa Marriott Water Street is serving up seafood with waterfront views. 505 Water St., downtown Tampa.

Chill Bros. Scoop Shop Beat the heat with hard-scooped ice cream made in-house from scratch right in front of your eyes. Another location is coming to Bay to Bay Blvd in the near future. 1910 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City.

Red Star Rock Bar The bar launched its second location, complete with a bigger layout, in Ybor City. Expect live music and daily drink specials. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; hours for the bar are 3 p.m.-3 a.m. on weekdays, noon-3 a.m. on weekends. 1710 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City.

Kay’s Kitchen ICYMI, the Chicago-style fried chicken and fish concept moved closer to the University of South Florida campus. Slide into comfort food central to snag wings, chicken nuggets and sandos. Oh, and now they deliver. 11124 N. 30th St., Tampa.

COMING SOON

Anthem House Local husband-and-wife duo Anabel and David Ottersbach launch their healthy shake and tea shop next month. The joint will offer fitness classes and seminars to help bond the community and inspire healthy living. 25028 U.S. Highway 19 N., Clearwater.

Chick’nCone The fast-casual concept will debut before 2020, and serve fork-free chicken and waffles on-the-go. Get ready for fried nuggets of chicken tossed in sauces of your choice which include sweet, mild and spicy. All cones are $8. Coming to the 400 block in downtown St. Petersburg.

Copa The Thurière brothers’ wine and cocktail bar debuts in mid-October. Copa will serve vino by the glass, a selection of cocktails, beer and tapas plates. Stick around and smoke some hookah on the back patio. 1047 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Olivia After delays and nearly a year of waiting, the Italian concept by Bay area restaurateurs Chris and Michelle Ponte debuts late next month. Get ready for a menu that mixes northern and southern Italian cuisine, which means Neapolitan 'zas and a wide range of pasta dishes. 3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa.

Social Roost Kitchen and Bar  The full-service, poultry-focused restaurant was supposed to open in the fall, but a rep for Social Roost told CL that it now hopes to be open by the end of 2019. 150 1st Street N., St. Petersburg.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21087128/ybor-citys-barterhouse-restaurant-and-lounge-opens-next-month

Ybor City's Barterhouse restaurant and lounge opens next month

Just a few more weeks until we get a taste of the mobster-inspired restaurant.

As it nears the final stages of construction, Barterhouse,  a forthcoming Ybor City restaurant and lounge, is itching to debut. Well, partner Kenneth Emery is. Initially hoping for a summer arrival, construction setbacks have the concept shooting for a mid-October opening at 1811 N. 15th St., just across the street from The Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing.

Emery and his team are shooting to replicate a 1940s Ybor speakeasy. That means mobsters on the wall and lots of marble (which, at Barterhouse, is actually faux marble constructed of reclaimed doors).

"We want to pay attention to the mobster history of Ybor, but make it comfortable and elegant," Emery says.

There's booth and bar seating in the lounge and bar area, and lights will dim in the dining room starting at 10 p.m. when restaurant concept shuts down for the night. The darkened mood is supposed to accentuate the backlit art on the walls and create a welcoming mood lighting for those nightcap adventures.

Speaking of food, Barterhouse hosts an open-kitchen concept that lets guests watch their food get prepped and feel the energy while chefs call out orders headed to four-top tables in the dining room. Emery has also incorporated a chef's bar, where about four to six guests can walk in and get a seat just feet away from the action; he even hinted that diners in the front row seats might get "gifts" from the chefs throughout their meal. Oysters topped with tuna could land in front of those lucky enough to get a chef's bar seat, and the items might even get sent out into the dining room as an amuse bouche to welcome diners to the Barterhouse.

As far as the menu goes, Barterhouse is staying true to sustainability and highlighting the farmers who grow the ingredients being used in the kitchen. Emery wants to source as locally as possible, although he understands that can be a difficult task. Staying on the theme of natural ingredients, the cocktail program will swap sugars for honey and honey syrups. Wanting to honor Florida with its sips, Barterhourse guests can expect a lot of orange on the cocktail menu.

"We want the chefs and the mixologists to have their own stages, that's why the cocktail bar allows for guests to walk up and put in their order, and watch their drink be made before their eyes," Emery says. Another interesting concept that Barterhouse is incorporating is guests being ordering drinks according to their mood, or rather, what kind of mood they want to be in. For instance, "Jolt" is a play on a vodka Redbull, but Barterhouse makes its own version of the energy drink.

The rest of the drink menu is still under construction, but we're thirsty for more. Just weeks away now until we get a taste.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/09/16/soundbytes-buddy-guy-art-garfunkel-patterson-hood-and-more/

SoundBytes: Buddy Guy, Art Garfunkel, Patterson Hood and more

Catch up on today’s Tampa Bay concert announcements.

Buddy Guy charms the crowd in between songs at A Taste of Pinellas in 2011.

Two blues greats, the legendary Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, are coming to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall on March 26. Tickets are $53.25 and up. Click here.

Also coming to Ruth Eckerd Hall: Pop...

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https://www.10best.com/destinations/florida/tampa/attractions/things-to-do-in-fall/

Cooler Weather & Fun Activities Fill Tampa's Fall Calendar

As the hot and humid Tampa summer makes way for the cooler and dryer weather of fall, everyone heads outdoors. The cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make it much more comfortable to visit many outdoor attractions. In addition, there are plenty of traditional fall activities to enjoy including corn mazes and horror parks. To help you find the best activities of the fall season, 10 Best has put together a list of the top 10 options to choose from.

Without the crowds and daily downpours, it is much more fun to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy a warm, sunny fall day riding the rides and visiting with the animals. If you visit on select dates between late September and early November, you can also pay an extra fee to experience their popular Halloween attraction, Howl-O-Scream.

There are plenty to do with the wee ones as well. Once great option is the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, recently voted 6th best corn maze in the country by a USA Today 10 Best reader's poll. The kids will love the hay rides, sweet treats, and exploring the best corn maze around. With stalks reaching 10 feet high, the adults might have to be careful not to get lost!

10 SPOOKY EMPIRE

9 PIRATE WATER TAXI

Tampa's Pirate Water Taxi travels the city's downtown waterways and offers visitors and residents an easy and convenient way to visit downtown parks, museums, restaurants, and other attractions. The large, comfortable vessels offer seating for up to 46 and have restroom facilities. There is also a limited beverage menu available on board including beer and wine. There are currently 17 stops and guests are able to hop on and hop off all day for one low price. Time to navigate between the farthest stops beginning at Rick's on the River and ending at the Columbia Cafe on Garrison Channel is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Check their website for maps of the stops and a handy guide to the nearby attractions. Tickets can be bought at any stop, just look for their distinctive yellow and black sign on the docks along the route.

Recommended for Things to Do in Fall because: In fall, the best way to see downtown Tampa is by boat and the Pirate Water Taxi offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sights.

Skye's expert tip: Download their app to your smartphone for live updates of taxi locations and arrival times.

Read more about Pirate Water Taxi →

8 TAMPA RIVERWALK

The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic exploration of the downtown riverfront and connects most of the popular downtown attractions, parks, and restaurants. The broad paved path runs along, and in places, runs over the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. Easily accessible to everyone including the disabled, kids, and furry friends, the Riverwalk accommodates walkers, joggers, and bikers. A few of the landmarks you will pass include the Heights Public Market, Waterworks Park, Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, the Convention Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center. Along the way, you can discover numerous interpretive exhibits highlighting Tampa's history and public art exhibits. The path is almost 3 miles long, but there are plenty of spots to stop for a rest and grab a drink or a quick bite along the way.

Recommended for Things to Do in Fall because: Enjoy Tampa's beautiful fall weather with a walk, bike, or jog down the Riverwalk with access to outdoor parks, beer gardens, and other city attractions.

Skye's expert tip: Try exploring by bike - rentals are available at several bike hubs located along the Riverwalk.

Read more about Tampa Riverwalk →

7 FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE

6 CLEARWATER BEACH

5 SCREAM-A-GEDDON HORROR PARK

4 HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK

3 THE OFFICIAL YBOR CITY GHOST TOUR

The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the haunted history of Tampa's famous historic district. By day, Ybor City is a charming neighborhood to visit, by night, as revelers play unawares in local bars and clubs, the ghosts come out to replay their tragic histories in buildings throughout the neighborhood. By joining an Ybor City Ghost Tour you are given the opportunity to explore these chilling spaces and see for yourself if there are spirits about. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, this entertaining two hour walking tour takes you past Ybor City's haunted spaces and into two buildings most notorious for their nocturnal activities.

Recommended for Things to Do in Fall because: Celebrate the fall season with an Ybor City Ghost Tour - Tampa's historic district is full of chilling spaces and tragic tales.

Skye's expert tip: Skeptics beware - you may be forced to change your mind!

Read more about The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour →

2 ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the country by Parents Magazine and is a five-time winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The 56-acre nonprofit zoo is home to 1,300 animals and emphasizes regional endangered species and those in similar climates. All of your favorites are here, including African species like giraffes, rhinos, and hippos, Asian animals like lions and tigers, as well as animals native to Florida, such as various species of alligator and crocodile. Once they've made their way around to all of the animals, the kids can play in the Australian-themed children's area that includes rides and other games. Going in the morning is a good idea, especially in the summer. Not only do you avoid the heat, but the animals also tend to be more lively.

Recommended for Things to Do in Fall because: Fall brings cooler temps for visitors to ZooTampa, and kids will love being scared by Creatures of the Night, Friday and Saturday evenings in October.

Skye's expert tip: Get $3 dollars off one-day admission tickets by purchasing in advance and online via their website.

Read more about ZooTampa at Lowry Park →

1 BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

Wild animals and wilder rides await visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The 335-acre Africa-inspired theme park's six infamous roller coasters, 2,000-plus animals and entertaining live shows provide truly unforgettable thrills. There is something for kids of all age at this world-class park. Adventure lovers can brave SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster with a 200-foot, 90-degree plunge while animal enthusiasts might enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos at Walkabout Way or enjoying majestic views of free-roaming giraffes, zebras and white rhinos on the Serengeti Railway. Be prepared to walk in order to explore all areas of the park. There are several restaurants and numerous vendors throughout the park to keep you fueled on your journey.

Recommended for Things to Do in Fall because: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in fall means cooler temps during the day, and terror at night with Howl-O-Scream on select dates September to November.

Skye's expert tip: Admission prices vary - to get the best deals, make sure to buy your tickets in advance and online.

Read more about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay →

(Follow link for full article.)

https://pittsburghsoccernow.com/2019/09/16/why-the-mls-would-thrive-in-pittsburgh/

Why the MLS would thrive in Pittsburgh

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/09/16/good-news-nycfc-la-galaxy-fivethirtyeights-latest-mls-projections

Good news for NYCFC, LA Galaxy in FiveThirtyEight's latest MLS projections

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https://www.lmtonline.com/sports/article/Promotion-and-relegation-in-American-soccer-14444579.php

Promotion and relegation in American soccer?

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https://sbcamericas.com/2019/09/16/usl-moves-to-allow-sports-betting-sponsorship-on-team-jerseys/

USL moves to allow sports betting sponsorship on team jerseys

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https://www.wirenewsfax.com/moving-lionel-messi-to-the-united-states-the-new-club-of-david-beckham-talks-to-his-father-about-the-transfer

Moving Lionel Messi to the united states? The new club of David Beckham, talks to his father about the transfer

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https://www.mykhel.com/football/rumours-barcelona-real-madrid-targeting-klopp-van-dijk-127253.html

Rumour Has It: Barcelona, Real Madrid targeting Klopp, Van Dijk

- Lionel Messi to MLS? There has been talk about Messi and David Beckham's incoming franchise Inter Miami following a report claiming a delegation had been sent out to open negotiations for the Barcelona captain. However, Goal says Messi has had no contact with Beckham's Miami.

Goal News
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@GoalNews
 Messi to MLS? Not yet anyway! 🙅‍♂️

By @rubenuria https://www.goal.com/en/news/no-contact-between-messi-beckhams-inter-miami/1veg1nxd8yhec1a2vg7hwd7wo2 …

Lionel Messi transfer news: No contact between Barcelona star & Beckham's Inter Miami | Goal.com
David Beckham's Inter Miami franchise have not held talks with Lionel Messi, sources have told Goal, with recent reports claiming that the former England international had sent a delegation to London...

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