The Women’s Final Four is headed to Tampa Bay this weekend, and following suit will be scores of lesbian basketball fans. At least, so says the St. Petersburg Times, which said in an article that local businesses are banking on it.
Starting Friday, Tampa will become a national epicenter for gay women, thousands of whom are coming to town for the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Most of the activities will center on Ybor City, where clubs are hosting all-girl bands and an event called Bounce, promoted as the largest women’s party in the Tampa Bay area. The National Center for Lesbian Rights is holding a mega party at club Underground. Restaurants are offering free specials to attract gay patrons.
The Times quoted one person estimating that a full 75% of the fans in the stands during the Final Four would be gay. There were lots of theories as to why so many of the Women’s Final Four fans are gay (I was quoted saying it’s in part because local businesses are making it a destination for lesbians, reflected in the thesis of the article). But there was one theory I don’t agree with at all:
But another reason for the popularity of women’s basketball, gay leaders say, is the outspoken advocacy by role models such as WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, who came out in 2005.
Lesbians were (reportedly) flocking to the WNBA long before Sheryl Swoopes (or any other player) came out publicly. -Cyd Zeigler jr. (Go Stanford!)
on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 6:40 am
It’s good to see that businesses big and small are recognizing the power of the gay and lesbian dollar, even if the leagues themselves are not making specific outreach to the community. I receive e-mails from the NCLR, and noted that Tropicana and the Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival are sponsoring the NCLR brunch (featuring Outsports friend Helen Caroll, Pat Griffin, and the head coach of the WNBA Indiana Fever). I shall be quite happy to drink Tropicana orange juice knowing they support the community.
on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 8:04 am
Imagine if the LPGA tour coordinated it’s stop to be in the same city as the Final Four each year.
I agree with Cyd that Sheryl Swoops has little to do with this. The NY Daily News did stories about lesbians at Liberty games and some people’s discomfort with this long before Swoops came out. And there have been stories about Lesbians planning their vacations around LPGA events (most notably the Dinah Shore tournament) and there aren’t many (if any) out women golfers.
on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I am looking forward to the Games and all the parties Fanatic Four kick off Friday at The Rare Olive in Ybor and BOUNCE Dance Party o Saturday at CLUB CZAR ybor! Yeah!
on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The women’s final four is not just for gay women — this will be final four number five for me (granted as a lady vol fan i get many opportunities), but it’s a great weekend. And kudos to those businesses that recognize the value of our dollar and support the weekend and all of us who are making the trip. Those who do not — well they have only themselves to blame for not being smart businesspersons. Now here’s to much fun and Candace’s shoulder being strong! GO LADY VOLS!
on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
GO VOLS too! I will be arriving on town Friday to attend the Parties http://www.myspace.com/twirlgirltampa this is a great link to all te events for the final four
GO VOLS!!
on Apr 3rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Candace Parker is the sister of Toronto Raptor Anthony Parker. Q&A with A.Parker on C.Parker from the Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/349588