TAMPA, Fla. — Some Tampa schools are hoping the Super Bowl gives them a boost as they look to turn this week’s activities into ways to help students through parking.
Howard W. Blake High School’s athletic booster club has had a tougher year fundraising thanks to COVID-19’s impact on concession sales and membership.
“During the school year especially during football season when we’re able to sell concession stands, the booster club that’s how they make their money, to assist students, and this year with COVID it really handcuffed us to be able to make that funding, to be able to support the kids. So this is another way we’re able to support students,” said Principal Jesse Salters.
To try to make up the shortfall, they’re opening up their parking garage to people visiting the Super Bowl experience. The cost is $10 a car, and they’re open until 10:30 p.m. each night.
“What we do here at Blake we mentor to the entire school body,” said Frances Cheeks Jennings, the club’s Vice President. “Wherever there’s a need we fill in that gap.”
Their role includes scholarships, helping with equipment, registration, clothing, food and even holiday meals.
“It’s important that we understand to parlay the game from the Super Bowl to the biggest game of life and that’s to support students who are now gonna play the biggest game of their life,” said
Tyrone Keys is a member of the Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl team and a school supporter.
It’s not the only school with that idea, though.
Tampa Bay Blvd. Elementary Schools is blocks away from Raymond James Stadium.
“We are a title one funded school and this year unfortunately we have generated very little funds for the school,” said Principal Glenda Vineuza in an interview provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools.
She said the biggest PTA fundraiser is parking cars for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But with COVID-19, they weren’t able to generate funds.
So for the Super Bowl, they’re offering game day parking. It’s $100 a spot, or $200 for an RV.
“Hopefully we’ll have all Bucs fans wanting to park here but we’ll certainly also welcome the Chiefs fans,” Vineuza said.
