Fly or Flop? Red Bull Flugtag Challenges Tampa, Apply by September 19

In a thrilling announcement, the iconic Red Bull Flugtag is set to make its grand return to Tampa Bay on Saturday, November 9, after more than a decade-long hiatus. This extraordinary event is expected to draw over 100,000 spectators, eager to witness daring and creative feats of flight. Local thrill-seekers still have a chance to be part of this spectacular show, with registration open until September 19.

A Global Phenomenon Lands in Tampa

The Red Bull Flugtag, a worldwide phenomenon that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of creativity and audacity, is coming back to Tampa’s waters for the first time since 2011. Teams will construct human-powered crafts, launched from a raised platform, competing to see who can achieve the longest flight using only a running start for momentum.

The Stage is Set

The event will unfold at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S Franklin St, featuring a towering 27-foot-tall flight deck overlooking the water. This free spectacle was announced at a press conference attended by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, underscoring its significance to the local community.

Competition Details

On the day of the event, teams of up to five people will launch their unique airships off the imposing flight deck. Up to 40 teams will be judged based on three criteria:

1. Craft design
2. Creativity of pre-flight skit
3. Distance of flight

Competitors will vie for exclusive Red Bull experiences, meet-and-greets with Red Bull athletes, and other exciting prizes. The winners will be selected by a panel of judges, to be announced at a later date.

A Legacy of Flight

The Red Bull Flugtag has a rich history, having taken place in more than 50 countries and attracting over nine million spectators worldwide. Notable winning crafts from past events include:

• Greased Lightning (Portland, Oregon, 2008)
• Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017)
• Flite Test (Cincinnati, 2023)

The current world record for the longest flight stands at an impressive 258 feet, set by The Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, CA, in 2013.

How to Participate

For those brave and imaginative souls interested in defying gravity, applications to compete in Tampa’s Red Bull Flugtag opened on July 8. You can sign up at RedBull.com/redbullflugtagtampa, with registration remaining open through September 19.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, including the announcement of competing teams from Tampa Bay and across the United States, as well as the panel of judges. Follow @RedBullUSA on Instagram and TikTok for the latest information on Red Bull Flugtag Tampa.

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