Get ready, Tampa Bay, because on November 9, the Red Bull Flugtag is taking off at the Tampa Convention Center, bringing with it a spectacle of wild, human-powered flying contraptions and a whole lot of creativity. If you’ve ever wanted to see someone’s dream of flight take off—albeit briefly—then make sure to head down to the water’s edge for a day of outrageous fun, bold leaps, and some unforgettable plunges.
What Exactly is Red Bull Flugtag?
Red Bull Flugtag, which translates to “flying day” in German, isn’t your typical airshow. This eccentric event celebrates daring dreams of flight with a twist: all aircraft are home-built and powered purely by muscle and ingenuity—no engines, just physics and a whole lot of imagination. Created by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, Flugtag has been a highlight of the brand’s line-up of extreme sports events since it launched in Vienna, Austria, back in 1991. Since then, the event has popped up in over 35 countries and more than 100 cities worldwide. This year, Tampa is the lucky city to host it, joining an impressive lineup that includes San Francisco, Miami, and Long Beach.
Who Can Join the Fun?
Just about anyone with an idea, some duct tape, and a bit of ambition can apply to participate in Red Bull Flugtag. Each team consists of five people, including one brave pilot and four crew members. Teams are tasked with designing, building, and decorating their own flying machine—emphasis on creativity is a must. The guidelines are simple: the aircraft can’t exceed a wingspan of 30 feet, it must weigh no more than 450 pounds (including the pilot), and it has to be made from eco-friendly materials that won’t sink in the water.
Teams are also encouraged to wear costumes and make a splash with their presentations. From giant donuts to prehistoric pterodactyls and sci-fi spaceships, teams have shown up with an array of bizarre and hilarious designs over the years, all in the hopes of claiming one of the top spots for creativity, showmanship, or, if they’re lucky, distance.
The deadline for entries this year has already passed, but don’t let that stop you from scouting out the competition for next year!
Event Schedule and Judges
The Tampa Convention Center opens its doors to the public at 12:00 p.m., and it’s free for everyone to attend. Here’s what you can expect throughout the day:
- 12:30 p.m. – Warm-up session and pre-flight checks, giving you a sneak peek of the colorful creations.
- 1:00 p.m. – The main event begins as teams launch their flying machines off a 22-foot-high platform into the water below.
- 4:00 p.m. – The final flights conclude.
- 4:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony, where winners for creativity, distance, and the coveted People’s Choice Award are crowned.
This year’s judging panel includes some Tampa Bay favorites: Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, World Champion surfer Caroline Marks, actor Twan Kuyper, Fortnite legend TFUE, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. Each judge will rate teams on three key criteria: distance, creativity, and showmanship.
What’s Up for Grabs?
It’s not just glory that’s at stake; the top teams will be flying home with some incredible prizes:
- First Place: Five general admission tickets to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix (approximate value: $5,000).
- Second Place: A “Dream Day” with a Red Bull Athlete, chosen at Red Bull’s discretion (approximate value: $3,000).
- Third Place: A team iFLY indoor skydiving experience (approximate value: $1,000).
- People’s Choice Award: Another iFLY experience for the team that captures the most online votes.
“The Chicken Whisperers” currently hold the record for the longest Red Bull Flugtag flight—an impressive 258 feet, set at the Long Beach event in 2013. Whether or not Tampa’s competitors can match that feat remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the day promises plenty of laughter, splashes, and maybe even a few hilarious glides.
The Best Seats in the House
The event is free to attend, but if you’re hoping for a front-row seat to all the action, it’s best to arrive early. The Tampa Convention Center offers plenty of viewing space along the water, and with around 40 teams expected to compete, you’ll have plenty of entertainment throughout the day.
Why Tampa?
The decision to bring Flugtag to Tampa wasn’t random; the city’s passion for high-energy sports and love for community events made it a perfect match for this quirky contest. Tampa Bay has been an enthusiastic host for sports and spectacles alike, from the Super Bowl to the NHL’s Stanley Cup, and now, it’s diving into the world of human-powered flight.
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In past Flugtags, teams have launched everything from a giant rubber duck to a flying banana and even a replica of Stonehenge. Tampa’s teams are sure to bring their own brand of Floridian flair, and with a wide-open sky (and splash zone) awaiting them, it’s a guarantee that everyone attending will get a show to remember.
Whether you’re cheering for the most daring pilot, the craziest costume, or the longest flight, the Red Bull Flugtag is an event the whole family can enjoy. So mark your calendars, pack your cameras, and get ready to watch Tampa Bay take flight!
