Heated Rivalry Night is officially taking over Tampa, and romance-loving hockey fans are already losing their minds. In collaboration with Sunset Events and Club 90s LA, The Ritz Ybor has announced that the viral dance party tour inspired by Heated Rivalry is stopping in Tampa for two unforgettable nights. As Tampa’s resident romance-book-obsessed girlie, this moment feels surreal after watching endless TikToks from sold-out shows across the country. Now, it’s finally our turn to experience the viral dance party, the romance fandom, and the high-energy celebration in person.
Two Tampa Dates Added After Immediate Sellout
The Heated Rivalry Night dance party will light up The Ritz Ybor (1503 E 7th Ave) this February. The original date—Friday, February 6—sold out almost instantly, faster than anyone could say “Will you come to my cottage this summer”. Due to overwhelming demand, a second date has been added for Thursday, February 5. Tickets are extremely limited, demand is sky-high, and fans are urged not to wait for season two to drop before grabbing passes to this must-attend Tampa event.
What to Expect at Heated Rivalry Night
If your brain constantly replays everything Shane and Ilya ever said, this night is for you. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the event is 18+ only. Organizers promise nonstop dancing to Heated Rivalry edits, nostalgic pop throwbacks, iconic queer anthems, and relentless high-energy hits. Expect a photobooth, giveaways, and immersive vibes that keep the dance floor packed until close.
While the cast won’t be in attendance, costumes are highly encouraged—making this the perfect excuse to show off your Hollanov jersey, vintage club fits, or full-on leopard print fantasy. The atmosphere blends fandom, fashion, and freedom into one unforgettable dance party experience.
Tickets, VIP Options, and Dress Code Energy
Tickets for Heated Rivalry Night are general admission with standing room only, though a limited number of VIP tables are also available. Whether you’re repping Boston gear, Metro colors, or channeling Ilya’s iconic Jean Paul Gaultier club shirt, fashion is part of the fun. Bonus points if you arrive fully committed—including practicing your loon calls ahead of time for ultimate fan credibility.
Purchase tickets via The Ritz Ybor official ticketing partners listed on their website and socials to avoid resale scams.
ICYMI: The Heated Rivalry Phenomenon
For anyone new to the obsession, Heated Rivalry is a six-episode hockey romance series produced by Crave Canada and later picked up by HBO Max, where it quickly became a global sensation. Based on novels by Rachel Reid, the story follows hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov across a ten-year love story that blends sports rivalry, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry.
The books—three centered on Shane and Ilya—have been flying off shelves worldwide, with a seventh brand-new installment announced for later this year. The show shattered records as HBO Max’s top acquired streaming title, and episode five earned a rare perfect 10/10 on IMDB, tying Breaking Bad’s “Ozymandias” for one of the highest-rated TV episodes ever.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough
While the spice definitely pulled viewers in, it’s the deeply emotional love story, the authentic queer representation, and the pressure-filled sports world that made Heated Rivalry unforgettable. Actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie brought Shane and Ilya to life so convincingly that they became overnight household names—appearing on talk shows and even presenting at the Golden Globes last weekend.
Directed by Jacob Tierney (Shoresy, Letterkenny), the series was filmed in under two months on a limited budget, yet delivered some of the most powerful television in recent memory. Episodes three through six are widely known for inducing tears, gasps, and emotional chaos—especially when that Wolf Parade song plays.
Will You Come to the Cottage This February?
For one weekend only, Tampa’s usual hockey heroes might take a back seat. Heated Rivalry Night is set for Thursday, February 5, with the Friday, February 6 show already sold out. Whether you’re dancing for the music, the romance, or the shared fandom energy, this is one Tampa nightlife moment you don’t want to miss.
Get ready to dance, dress up, and fall back into the rivalry that stole everyone’s heart—because this might just be the beginning of something even bigger…
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