Christmas isn’t even here yet, and parks are already solidifying their plans for 2011. Busch Gardens Tampa has just released their full list of events for the coming year. Rumors were swirling around that certain events such as Bands, Brew &BBQ would not return due to huge budget cuts. However it just pushes home what BGT PR always tells the fans “You can’t believe rumors.”
Here’s the line up for 2011:
Memorable Music Gets Your Toes Tapping at Real Music
The Real Music Concert Series presents notable names from music’s most memorable eras. From sock-hop era idols to swingin’ big bands, the lineup features something for everyone:
Jan. 19–22 THE TERRY MYERS ORCHESTRA with THE SWING SISTERS
Jan. 26–29 THE TOMMY DORSEY ORCHESTRA
Jan. 2–5 DEBBIE REYNOLDS
Jan. 9–12 PAUL REVERE AND THE RAIDERS
Feb.16–19 THE VENTURES
Feb. 23–26 HERMAN’S HERMITS starring PETER NOONE
March 2–5 THE 5TH DIMENSION
March 9–12 THE OSMOND BROTHERS
March 16–19 TONY ORLANDO
March 23–26 CHARO
Blazing BBQ and Award-Winning Musicians Cook Up Band Brew & BBQ
Bands, Brew & BBQ offers four weekends of smokin’ hot fun. Enjoy sizzling live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists, sample dozens of craft and international beers and fire up your taste buds with food from your favorite local restaurants as well our own famous, blazing barbecue.
Saturdays at SeaWorld
Feb. 12 Huey Lewis & The News
Feb. 19 Willie Nelson
Feb. 26 REO Speedwagon
March 5 Josh Turner
Sundays at Busch Gardens
Feb. 13 Blondie
Feb. 20 Joan Jett &
The Blackhearts
The Blackhearts
Feb. 27 The Commodores &
The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters
March 6 Travis Tritt &
The Charlie Daniels Band
Get on Your Feet for Viva La Música
Join the fiesta every weekend, March 13 through April 2, when Grammy and Latin Grammy-award winning acts perform salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more for Viva La Música.
Saturdays at SeaWorld
March 12 Chino Y Nacho
March 19 Manny Manuel
March 26 Jerry Rivera
April 2 Edniya Nazario
Sundays Busch Gardens
March 13 Elvis Crespo
March 20 Jose Alberto “El Canario”
March 27 Angel Y Khris
April 3 Ismael Miranda
The newest edition to the BGT line up is Ramp Jam, which was a huge success at Busch Gardens Williamsburg last year. The event is going to not only include skaters, and BMX riders, but also local bands. From the official press release:
NEW! Pro Athletes Amp Up at Ramp Jam
This April, the ASA Action Sports World Tour amps up the excitement at Busch Gardens with the world’s best pro skateboarders, BMX riders and inline skaters shreddin’ a 14’ tall half-pipe. Live local bands, great food, the latest surf and skate gear complete the festival April 9-10 and 16-17.
Glory at the Gardens Brings Music and Fellowship
Top acts in contemporary Christian, Gospel and Christian rock take the stage at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay select dates in May for Glory at the Gardens – a festival full of music and fellowship. Stay tuned for artist reveals and more details.
Busch Gardens is also bringing back the Fun Card for 2011, which gives you unlimited admission into the park for the cost of a single day admission for all of 2011.
Rumor Mill
Here are things that are floating around the grapevine. None of it has been confirmed, so take it all with a grain of salt.
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Gwazi will go down immediately after the Holiday rush in January to be refitted with Millennium Flyer trains. The trains will allow for a smoother ride and should allow for guests with larger dimensions (hips) to ride more comfortably. The new trains could be revealed as soon as the first part of Feb. 2011
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After the opening of Cheetah Hunt, Rhino Rally will undergo an extensive rehab that will add more to the attraction. The water portion of the attraction has been closed to make room for Cheetah Hunt, and because it always had issues since it’s opening. The new section will add more animal interactions and a new thrilling part of the ride.
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No Howl O Scream for 2011. Budget cuts, and falling attendance for the event have many speculating that the event will happen not happen at all. Others say that the park will have Howl O Scream, but it will be toned down, and not be an extra ticket event. It will be more like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and be “family friendly” in parts. This could also be because of the opening of Legoland Florida in October which is expected to draw families away from the coaster heavy park. Other rumors say that Busch Gardens Williamsburg will keep their Howl O Scream, but it will be an extra ticket event and amped up to be less family friendly.
These are just rumors and likely not true, but still fun to speculate.
