Picture the scene: The world's greatest athletes are flying into Tampa International, waiting for their oversized, equipment-filled luggage, and preparing to vie for a coveted medal.

While we're waiting on a Tampa Bay Olympics to come to fruition, we're imagining how the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics would be celebrated at our own Opening Ceremony.

The torch arrives

To start off the festivities, let's stick to what we know best: a pirate invasion.

In true Tampa Bay style, a Gasparilla-inspired invasion would make for the perfect entrance for the Olympic torch. But, instead of stopping by the Convention Center per usual festival norms, we'd like to see the flotilla continue up the Hillsborough River, and place the torch in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Fun fact: That's the old route the invasion would take.

Imagine: Your boat in the Gasparilla Invasion. | Photo by Kiera Andrews

The athletes wave

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is taking place across four separate venues. We envision the same thing for Tampa Bay:

To continue our Gasparilla emulation, some athletes would wave to crowds while driving up Bayshore Boulevard.
Others would be doing something similar from St. Pete's waterfront, showcasing how maritime activities are never far from the imagination across the Burg's 244 miles of coastline.
Ybor City's historic streets would also host athletes, bumping their way down cobblestone streets.
Last but not least, Raymond James Stadium would be full to the rafters.

R.O.C. the Block takes over Raymond James in June. | Photo by US Customs and Border Protection

A Tampa Bay celebration begins

Inside Ray Jay, two homegrown, showstopping acts from different eras would perform: Doechii and the Backstreet Boys. There's a collab we'd love to see.

Couple that with a litany of stars with links to the Tampa Bay area in attendance — like Tom Brady, John Cena, and Derek Jeter — and the Games can commence in style.

How to watch the Opening Ceremony

The real 2026 Opening Ceremony takes place in Northern Italy on Friday, Feb. 6. As the Games begin, stay tuned to WTSP's coverage of the Olympics so you don’t miss a moment.