TAMPA, Florida — The racing season starts in a few weeks at Tampa Bay Downs. But even if you're not into placing a wager, there's year-round entertainment at "The Oldsmar Oval," which is kicking off its 98th season.
For some, it's a day at the races. For others, a high-stakes game of cards. And if that's not enough entertainment, how about pulling out your favorite club and teeing up on the driving range? Former Bucs Cornerback Corey Ivy says he comes here three or four times a week when he's not playing golf with Derrick Brooks.
“Anytime you're golfing, it's not a bad thing, in my opinion,” Ivy said.
He says hitting the greens is a lot like hitting the gridiron.
“It's not always gonna go good on the golf course, just like a football field, so you have to forget about the last shot and last play and focus on the next one,” Ivy said.
But practice makes perfect, and there's plenty of space at Tampa Bay Downs with 22 acres and 270 yards of open range.
“There was a vision back in the early 2000s. To take this piece of property and kind of turn it in and turn it into something a little bit different. We've got chipping and putting, we've got 45, hitting areas, artificial turf and grass,” Director of golf's Joey DiPompo said. “And if you're a little bored while someone else is hitting, you can go in you can grab a beer, grab a Seltzer, and even during live race, and you can bet on the racing side.”
Tampa Bay Downs will have big prizes this racing season thanks, in part, to a tax package from Florida lawmakers.
“We have had a huge increase in purses this year, more than $5 million. Our overnight purse structure is way up. We have a lot of new faces that are going to be racing here this year because of that, and it's created a whole lot of excitement not only in the state of Florida, but from trainers and owners outside of the state,” Tampa Bay Downs spokesperson Mike Henry said.
Also new this year, the track will feature cabanas that are going to be available for groups. Henry says that will allow people to get up close to the action for snapshots of the photo finish.
“It's sort of one of a kind. You've got thoroughbred horse racing, you've got poker, and you've got a driving range, all sort of in within one place,” DiPompo said.
Ivy added: “It's kind of like a getaway. You know, you can come here. Get your own little cubicle or down there in the grass and just swing you can swing hard to get really, really any problems you might have or any frustrations.
"It's therapeutic man, and I definitely enjoy you see all kinds of people out here from different backgrounds, races, religions, genders, and just really anybody can play this game.”
The driving range is open seven days a week, year-round. If you can't wait for the races, you can watch the Breeder's Cup the first weekend of November. Tampa Bay Downs will air it on the big screen.