Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour Comes to Tampa
We’re just a week away from the highly anticipated Renaissance World Tour by Beyoncé making its stop in Tampa. The last time Queen Bey visited the city was back in 2016, and fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the stage at Raymond James Stadium on August 16th.
The Renaissance World Tour promises to be a spectacle, with over 30 songs, stunning set pieces adorned with sparkles, and elaborate costume changes. Fans can expect a nearly three-hour set filled with tracks from Beyoncé’s 2022 album, “Renaissance,” according to setlist.fm. The album is inspired by her late Uncle Jonny and the Black queer community, with sexy, clubby house and disco tracks. In an open letter to her fans, Beyoncé expressed her gratitude to the pioneers of culture and dedicated the album as a celebration to them.
The songs featured in the album draw inspiration from the ballroom scene, an underground LGBTQ+ subculture created by Black and Latino drag queens. Beyoncé has prominently included the Progress Pride Flag in her tour visuals as a tribute to the community. There may also be a tribute during the concert to O’Shae Sibley, a Beyoncé fan and gay man who tragically lost his life while vogueing to “Renaissance” at a Brooklyn gas station. Beyoncé has already expressed her condolences through a message on her website.
Fans attending the Renaissance World Tour should also keep an eye out for special appearances by Beyoncé’s 11-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who has made surprise appearances on stage in some cities.
Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $140 and going up to $3,501 for VIP seating. Resale tickets can also be found on Vividseats.com, with prices starting in the $90s. However, fans are advised to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from third-party sources.
For those planning to attend the concert, getting to Raymond James Stadium requires some planning. If driving, expect heavy traffic along Dale Mabry Highway, Himes Avenue, Columbus Drive, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Booking a parking spot ahead of time is recommended and can be done through platforms like Park Whiz, vividseats.com, and spothero.com, with prices starting at around $45. Residents in the neighborhood around the stadium often sell parking spots on the day of the event for around $20. Taking the bus is also an option, with HART bus routes 7, 15, 32, 36, and 45 serving the stadium.
Uber and Lyft are popular options for transportation to the stadium, but expect surge pricing and longer wait times after the concert. Pickups can be made at the George M. Steinbrenner lot across the street, accessible via a pedestrian bridge. Guests traversing to the stadium should take note of the no-bag policy, with only small clutch purses allowed. Lockers are available for rent near Gate C for those needing storage space. It’s important to note that Raymond James Stadium is a cashless venue, so bringing a credit card or setting up Apple Pay is essential.
As with any outdoor event in Tampa, it is advisable to check the weather forecast in advance. The concert takes place in August, so attendees should prepare for hot and humid conditions, with the possibility of rain.
In terms of attire, fans are encouraged to embrace the aesthetic of the Renaissance album, with futuristic, shimmery, and sexy outfits fitting for an extraterrestrial disco. Channeling the inner Alien Superstar is the way to go, and bee-themed or lemonade-yellow outfits are also welcome. Comfortable footwear is a must since Beyoncé’s performances are known to be lengthy. Some fans suggest bringing thick, squishy socks to slip on during the show for added comfort while dancing.
For those looking to purchase official Beyoncé merchandise, merchandise trucks will be stationed inside and outside the stadium on the day of the concert. Reports suggest that the wait time for merchandise has been manageable compared to previous tours. Prices for items such as tote bags start at $35, T-shirts at $55, and hoodies at $125. Additionally, an online-exclusive Renaissance collection including T-shirts and sweatpants can be found on amazon.com/beyoncé.
With all the excitement and preparations underway, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour is set to be a memorable event for fans in Tampa. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience on August 16th at Raymond James Stadium.