Arrested During the Gasparilla Bowl or Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa? What to Know
Two big events land on back-to-back nights in Tampa this December. The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is set for Friday, December 18, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. The next evening, Saturday, December 19, the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade starts at 6:15 PM near Sparkman Wharf, passes through the Convention Center Basin and finishes at Armature Works. Most people will have a good time and get home without trouble. Crowds, holiday drinks and boats on a busy river do bring a heavy law enforcement presence, though, and an evening out can end in an arrest. If you or a friend or family member is arrested that weekend, here is a general look at what to expect.
The Weekend at a Glance
- Gasparilla Bowl: Friday, December 18, 2026, Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. See the Florida Sports Foundation bowl list.
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 6:15 PM, from near Sparkman Wharf through the Convention Center Basin to Armature Works. See Friends of the Riverwalk.
Both events are in Tampa, so an arrest at either one is generally a Hillsborough County case. For more on the stadium itself, see our page on arrests at Raymond James Stadium.
Driving and Boating After the Celebrations
Driving under the influence is covered by section 316.193, Florida Statutes. Leaving a stadium lot or a downtown garage after drinking is a common point for a DUI stop. On the river, boating under the influence falls under section 327.35, and officers on the water can stop a vessel to check on its operator.
Before the night starts, pick a sober driver or captain, or plan on a rideshare or water taxi. If you were stopped, see our pages on DUI and traffic charges and what happens after a DUI arrest in Tampa.
Other Charges We See at Big Tampa Events
- Open container citations in a vehicle (section 316.1936), which are usually noncriminal traffic infractions
- Disorderly conduct (section 877.03) and disorderly intoxication (section 856.011)
- Trespass, including after being told to leave (section 810.09)
- Underage possession of alcohol (section 562.111) and use of a fake or altered ID (section 322.212)
- Resisting an officer (section 843.02 and related laws)
- Selling or using counterfeit tickets
If this is your first arrest, learn how Florida courts may handle first-time offenders.
What Happens After an Arrest That Weekend
People arrested in Hillsborough County are typically booked at the Orient Road Jail. A judge usually sees the person at first appearance within 24 hours and sets release conditions, which can include bond. The case then moves to an arraignment and later court dates. December 18 is a Friday and the holidays follow close behind, so a friend or family member may have questions about timing. An attorney can help answer them.
Visiting Tampa for the Game or the Parade
Bowl games and holiday events bring in fans from other states. An arrest can raise questions about flights home, rental cars and whether a person may leave Florida while the case is open. Release conditions control much of this, and in some cases an attorney can ask the court about travel or about appearing through counsel. Speak with an attorney before changing travel plans.
Don’t Rely on the Internet or AI for Your Case
Websites, social media and AI chatbots can give answers that are out of date, wrong for Florida, or wrong for your facts. Pages like this one are general information, not legal advice. Before you answer questions from police, agree to a search or make decisions about a case, talk with an attorney who can review what actually happened.
Talk With Attorney Ron Frey
Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades. He represents people charged in Hillsborough and Pinellas County courts from The Frey Law Firm, LLC, at 625 E. Twiggs St. in downtown Tampa, a short walk from the Riverwalk. Every case is different.
Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.