The Skate Park of Tampa is gearing up for an electrifying weekend as it hosts the 31st annual Tampa Pro and Am contests from April 3–6. Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious skateboarding competitions globally, the event takes over the Skate Park of Tampa at 4215 E. Columbus Dr.
While Saturday and Sunday passes, as well as VIP and Weekend passes, have already sold out, fans can still grab single‑day tickets for Thursday and Friday—priced at $15 for Thursday and $25 for Friday—to witness the early rounds of this high‑energy showdown.
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A major skateboarding spectacle in Tampa
This year’s competition promises to be a spectacle featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. Highlights include Jackass stunt performer Bam Margera, Thrasher’s 2024 Skater of the Year Jamie Foy, and Olympic contender Jake Ilardi. The three‑day lineup kicks off on Friday with qualifiers, where 200 skaters battle for 30 finalist spots; Saturday features live webcast coverage, the Best Trick contest, and an epic after‑party at Bricks Bar culminating in the legendary Grillos Party—a Tampa tradition; and Sunday sees the top 12 professional skaters go head‑to‑head in the finals for the coveted Tampa Pro title.
The deep roots of skate culture in the city
The Skate Park of Tampa has been a cornerstone of the skateboarding world for over three decades. Founded in 1993 by Brian Schaefer, what began as a humble warehouse has evolved into one of the most recognized skateparks globally. The Tampa Pro has long served as a proving ground for the best in the sport, with past champions including Mike Vallely, Eric Koston, and Andrew Reynolds.
Beyond its competitive prestige, the event is celebrated for its authentic community atmosphere, bolstered by its partnership with Pabst Blue Ribbon. This grassroots energy makes the Tampa Pro a contest that even non‑competitive skaters are eager to enter. As the longest‑running tradition in professional skateboarding, its 31st edition promises to be a must‑watch event.
Catch all the pro action at SPoT
For those unable to attend in person, the live webcast ensures fans worldwide can tune in and be part of the action. And for a fun throwback, Tampa was featured as the third level in Tony Hawk’s Underground, where players competed in the Tampa Am contest to earn a significant board sponsor. Whether watching in person or online, this year’s Tampa Pro is set to be another milestone in skateboarding history.
Reminder: Skate parks are important. “Skateboarding has something to show us about living life in these challenging times that we find ourselves in,” said Thomas Kemp in an interview with NPR’s Greg Rosalsky.
Why local skate parks matter
A study titled “Beyond the Board” surveyed 5,000 individuals aged 13–25 and revealed that skateboarding helps build communication and relationship‑building skills among diverse groups. “Our research shows that through skateboarding, skaters develop the ability to communicate and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds,” highlights Neftalie Williams of USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “Skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem‑solvers who view success from a more communal perspective. They bring that insight into other areas of their lives, which is valuable to any university or organization.”
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