Billy Joel, Sting coming to Tampa to play 'One Night Only' concert in February
Photos courtesy: Getty Images
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa city officials gathered Thursday afternoon, along with Tampa Sports Authority and Live Nation, to announce an exclusive concert happening in Tampa featuring two of the most respected artists in history.
Billy Joel and Sting are coming to Tampa to play at Raymond James Stadium in February. The iconic musicians will share a stage to perform their most beloved songs for the first time in history for the ‘one night only’ event on Saturday, Feb. 24.
"I cannot tell you how excited I was when I first heard a couple of weeks ago," Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan said. "To have two industry giants in Billy Joel and Sting play Raymond James Stadium is just extraordinary."
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Local leaders said that the last 11 shows at the stadium have all sold out. They’ve also generated over $20 million in hotel revenues and $1.2 million in hotel bed tax.
"The fact that acts like these continue to choose Tampa is a testament to our market. And it's also a testament to the resources committed to this venue are paying off with record setting concerts, Super Bowls, WrestleMania and so many other major events. Simply put, Hillsborough County is on fire and the Tampa Sports Authority is a major contributor to that economic engine," Hagan said.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the Taylor Swift shows alone earlier this year brought more money into the area than the Super Bowl. Castor added that the area saw a 45 percent increase in hotel capacity compared to the same time last year.
"We have really solidified our position on the national stage in so many areas and entertainment is just one of those," Castor said. "If you look at all the big-name artists that have come to our community and not only sold out in the Tampa Bay venue, but brought people from all around the nation, and we look at the added opportunity to show off the fact that we live in paradise."
"It also brings in that funding that is critically important for our community to the tune of millions of dollars. So, this is a win, win, win for the Tampa Bay Area," Castor said. "These large concerts have an incredible economic impact on our community."
As for the next large concert to come to the area, Castor said she can’t believe that Billy Joel and Sting are coming to Tampa.
"These individuals, performers, Billy Joel and Sting, have played an incredible part in my life," she said.
"I can attribute so many events throughout my life with the music at the time, and really, Billy Joel and Sting are two of the most amazing musical artists, and to bring them together for a once in a lifetime opportunity says a lot about the Tampa Bay community," Castor said.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. For more information on tickets, click here.