The Rowdies are back. After a 19-year absence, Tampa’s beloved soccer team returned to the Bay area with a home opener versus NASL opponent FC Edmonton on April 14. (The team and their spirited fans actually returned as the eerily-similar green and gold FC Tampa Bay two seasons ago while licensing to the Rowdies name was negotiated.)
It was great to be a part of the team’s first night back as the Rowdies. I left Al Lang Field that night feeling so incredibly lucky. As a kid watching the Rowdies and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in old Tampa Stadium I never would of thought I would have the opportunity to work as the team photographer for the two sports teams I grew up cheering for. Perhaps a small reward from the sports gods for some brand loyalty though those lean Tampa sports decades of the 80’s and 90’s? Who knows. But man is it cool to walk into a stadium and see a bunch of 6 and 7 year-old kids wearing that classic Rowdies logo on their shirts. I know just what that feels like.
Visit Rowdiessoccer.com for schedule, tickets, photo galleries and more info about the team.