The Ritz Ybor in Tampa, What a Place...

Live music in a post-Covid-19 world seems too good to be true. The thought of being so close to others, CDC guidelines not being followed, these are the harsh realities we now face today as a society.

Being a college student during these times is hard. What is supposed to be the best four years of your life, now has so many unexpected challenges. Debating on going to that bar with friends, going to that restaurant, etc are things to deeply think about. 

Tampa Bay offers an array of activities that are cheap and sometimes even free. However, something that Tampa offers that I always take advantage of is their incredible concert venue the Ritz Ybor. 

In regards to the Univesity of Tampa, the venue is less than a 10-minute drive, so transportation is always pretty cheap.

Since I started living in Tampa, I have been to a ton of shows at the Ritz and with confidence, I can say it never disappoints. 

For a few weeks now they have been operational hosting concerts. When they are not having concerts they are operating as a bar with live music. I went to a concert this past Friday. 

With Covid-19 the venue has changed some requirements. It is normally 18+ and full capacity, however,

Here are some things to note:

• 21+ only

• Temperature checks at the door

• 50% capacity

• Masks required at all times

Compared to other bars/venues the Ritz is doing a great job at keeping safety a priority. Being at the show last week, what stuck out the most was how much of a difference 50% capacity made. There was room to dance and be socially distanced from others. 

Many other bars around Tampa are operating at full capacity and don't strictly enforce mask-wearing so the Ritz Ybor is among one of the safer options.

The Ritz typically brings artists that are EDM oriented but they do also have alternative bands. Between now and December 31st there will be 10 upcoming concerts. Some of these artists include Bear Grillz, 4B, and Adventure Club. 

If you can't make a show, every Monday they are open to what they call “Pound Mondays.” There is no cover charge at the door and there live music from local DJs. 

The Ritz has top-notch stage production and offers more than just a concert venue. Inside there are four bars, the main showroom, a balcony, and two areas outside the main room to listen to music and hang out. 

To show what the stage typically looks like these are some pictures I took at the show this past weekend.

Even with all, they offer the price for a show is extremely cheap. With taxes and fees, it is only $18.33! 

For this price, you get one general admission ticket. This gives you access to the main room and every other part of the venue. The main room is standing only and is first come first serve. 

If general admission is not something you would be interested in, they also offer VIP sections where you and your friends can all pitch in to buy. With VIP you have your own private gated off section away from everyone else. This option is a bit pricier but split between friends it is doable. 

Shows start at 10 p.m. but it is important to know that the main doors don't open until 11:30 p.m. Once the doors open you can expect to listen to two opening acts then the artist will perform around 1:30 a.m. If you stay for a full-length show you will be walking out at around 2:45 a.m.

What's great about this venue is its location. It is right in the heart of Ybor City. This neighborhood in Tampa is like no other. It is well known for its boutiques and vintage shops.

There are restaurants, pizza shops, fast food, bars, movie theater, tattoo shops, etc. A personal favorite is Buffalo Wild Wings. 

With shows going so late, you would think that when the concert ends everything else around does too. This is the farthest thing from the truth. When you leave a show Ybor City is just as lively as when you first got there. 

Another thing about Ybor City is its LGBTQ+ community. On the strip, there are plenty of LGBT+ friendly bars and nightclubs. Being a part of this community myself, Ybor City in Tampa is where I feel most accepted. 

Right next to the Ritz Ybor is a well known vibrant LGBT nightclub called The Honey Pot. 

Having such a diverse community in Ybor City, when you go to a concert it is a very friendly environment with people from all over. It is a great way to meet new friends and to be yourself unapologetically. 

If you're not much of a night owl or party-goer Ybor City is great to walk around during the day. With boutiques and restaurants open all along one street, it is lively and just as fun during the day as it is at night. 

There truly is no other place like Ybor City in Tampa Bay, which is why I think it is something every college student should check out at least once. 

With the Ritz Ybor being so close to the Tampa college campus it is convenient and the best bang for your buck. 

Since Covid-19 the experience you get from live music has been ripped away. Knowing that live music in Tampa is slowly coming back brings hope for the future. Of course, it is important to be safe and mindful during these times and the Ritz Ybor knows that. 

They have adapted to these changes and have given locals around Tampa Bay the opportunity to finally enjoy a concert again. Inside the venue, many security guards are doing their best to enforce social distancing and mask-wearing. The bathrooms inside the venue have a strict maximum capacity.

They are doing all they can to ensure having an experience like this is as safe as possible. 

If live music or even just a unique twist on Tampa is something that interests you, the Ritz Ybor and even Ybor City in general is a cheap place to go and enjoy a welcoming environment with so much to offer.