An event building on the water in downtown Tampa, with free Distract Paks: sensory-support kits with noise-blocking headphones, sunglasses and fidget devices. Ask any staff member, ask at the Guest Services or Information desk, or call security ahead.
Sensory supports. Free Distract Paks with headphones, any event.
Hours
Open for scheduled events, and each event sets its own times. The center's events calendar lists public events, though some private events aren't on it; for an event's agenda or start time, contact the event organizer.
“Distract Paks are free sensory-support kits designed to help guests who may feel overwhelmed during busy events. Each pack includes calming tools to provide comfort and focus, such as noise-blocking headphones, sunglasses, fidget devices, and other calming tools.”
“You can request one from any Tampa Convention Center staff member, at our 2nd-floor Guest Services desk (outside the Exhibit Halls), the 1st-floor Information Desk (outside the Ballrooms), or by calling our security team at (813) 274-7791. You are welcome to request Paks in advance or ask for them on-site as needed.”
“It is intended to help individuals who may have difficulty hearing, reading, or speaking during an emergency. It features pictures of keywords and phrases, a small letter keyboard, and a personal information form for responders or caregivers to reference.” tampa.gov/tcc (Communication Card)
The center made the Distract Paks and the Communication Card with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF.
Every event here is different. Look up your event's own page for its times, tickets and bag rules before you go.
Distract Paks are free: noise-blocking headphones, sunglasses, fidget devices and other calming tools.
Ask any staff member, the 2nd-floor Guest Services desk (outside the Exhibit Halls), the 1st-floor Information Desk (outside the Ballrooms), or call security at (813) 274-7791, ahead of time or on the day.
Outside food and drinks aren't allowed in the building unless you have dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Tickets are bought from each event, ahead on the event's website or in person on the day, depending on the event. The center has no box office.
Bag rules are set by each event's organizer and vary per event; check with your event. For a nursing room, contact the event organizer.
Parking: Front Drive, 333 S. Franklin Street, $4 an hour, Mon to Sun 8 am to midnight, no overnight parking. Tampa Convention Center Garage, 141 E. Brorein Street: event rate $5 to $50, non-event rate $3 per hour with an $18 daily maximum, maximum height 6'6". Pam Iorio Garage (301 Channelside Drive) and Fort Brooke Garage (107 N. Franklin Street) have the same hourly rates. Pre-pay or reserved parking isn't available. Other city garages and lots nearby are on the center's Parking page.
Disabled parking: 2 spaces in the Front Drive, 11 on the 2nd level of the Convention Center Garage, and spaces in the Pam Iorio Garage (listed as both 45 and 41). The Front Drive is the best place to drop off a person with a disability. The Channel Entrance, off the Front Drive, is closest to the elevators.
Family and individual restrooms: first floor just inside the Franklin Street Entrance; outside at The Sail Plaza; inside East Hall (third floor); third floor across from Meeting Room 303; fourth floor across from Meeting Room 413. All bathrooms are ADA accessible.
First aid stations: first floor just past Meeting Room 111, and third floor in the back corner of the East Exhibit Hall. Paramedics are on site for certain events. Security is available 24 hours a day at (813) 274-7791.
If the fire alarm sounds with the automated evacuation notice, everyone walks to The Sail Plaza along the Riverwalk, outside the Channel Entrance.
Lost items go to the Security Command Center, (813) 274-7791, and are kept 30 days. The center has no wheelchairs or scooters for event use; an event may provide them.
