TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa city leaders are creating new protections for fans attending the upcoming Super Bowl, set to be at Raymond James Stadium in February. But this could have a big impact on how local businesses can advertise to capitalize on the big game.
City leaders are expected to adopt "clean zones" surrounding the Super Bowl in their city council meeting on December 3. This means vendors or businesses who want to operate within one need to get permission from both the National Football League and the City of Tampa if they want to promote anything connected to the event.
One of theproposed clean zones will be around Raymond James Stadiumand the West Tampa Area, where the game will be held. This impacts businesses like Wing Stop, and dozens of local sandwich shops less than a mile from the stadium.
The second clean zone takes up a large portion of Downtown Tampa.
What are clean zones?
Clean zones will affect what thousands of NFL fans who are visiting the city, as well as Tampa residents, will see in and around the game. This includes what's posted on signs and tents. It will regulate outdoor activities too.
It also will impact what is sold around the event. For fans, clean zones can be a protection against counterfeit items. Clean zones prevent businesses from selling non-licensed NFL gear.
But this also means local restaurants and businesses located inside these clean zones will need to apply for special use permits to capitalize on Super Bowl hype.
They will need to apply for special use permits and the fee is $75.
The clean zones will be in effect from 12:01 am on January 28, 2021 until midnight on February 9, 2021.
Local authorities will enforce these clean zones. Violators can face fines as much as $450, according to the city.
City of Tampa | Downtown Clean Zone
City of Tampa | Raymond James Stadium Clean Zone
