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Tampa Pro reinstates women's bodybuilding

Feb 04, 2026 - edited Feb 04, 2026 - permalink

Seems like the social media self-advocacy and the GoFundMe campaign shook the sponsorship tree a little I hope the competitor turnout will be huge and that fans are able to reward the efforts with their support. Travel is so expensive these days, but there are a LOT of fans in Florida.

local news coverage

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Good news! Lets hope the fans actually turn up to watch these girls in action.

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Nice

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Is it reinstated? The article says its in limbo, and I see the gofundme is only about halfway to its goal.. I'd love to see it reinstated! I've never been to a show in person before but I moved to Tampa so planning to check it out this year either way.

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Is it reinstated? The article says its in limbo, and I see the gofundme is only about halfway to its goal.. I'd love to see it reinstated! I've never been to a show in person before but I moved to Tampa so planning to check it out this year either way.

Definitely go if you can. They're so much fun. You'll have a better experience if you're showing your support across divisions between both sexes, but obviously, you'll likely be most interested in women's physique division (and women's bodybuilding division if the fundraiser succeeds). You should also make it a point to hang out in the bar area, in between the performances you want to catch, where it's usually quite easy to strike up conversations with athletes (provided you're not a creep). I've exchanged numbers and Instagram follows with competitors (both female and male) and have remained friendly acquaintances to this day. I will likely meet up with some of them this summer when at the NPC/IFBB show in my area.

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

I have a feeling that Sherry Priami announcing her return helped get it back. She's a local and has lots of fans

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Definitely go if you can. They're so much fun. You'll have a better experience if you're showing your support across divisions between both sexes, but obviously, you'll likely be most interested in women's physique division (and women's bodybuilding division if the fundraiser succeeds). You should also make it a point to hang out in the bar area, in between the performances you want to catch, where it's usually quite easy to strike up conversations with athletes (provided you're not a creep). I've exchanged numbers and Instagram follows with competitors (both female and male) and have remained friendly acquaintances to this day. I will likely meet up with some of them this summer when at the NPC/IFBB show in my area.

Awesome! Thanks for the tips, definitely into checking out all divisions- I was looking at tickets last night, I guess I'll probably get VIP for the women's shows to show some extra support there- anyone know what that includes? I assume better seating but didn't see anythign on the site.

I didn't expect there was a bar at these things, I don't drink much these days, but that is encouraging as a more familiar place to hang out- as someone who's in shape but not muscular I was worried about awkwardly standing around fitness booths/competitors between events or something, but I can navigate a bar. Thanks for the info!

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Awesome! Thanks for the tips, definitely into checking out all divisions- I was looking at tickets last night, I guess I'll probably get VIP for the women's shows to show some extra support there- anyone know what that includes? I assume better seating but didn't see anythign on the site.

I didn't expect there was a bar at these things, I don't drink much these days, but that is encouraging as a more familiar place to hang out- as someone who's in shape but not muscular I was worried about awkwardly standing around fitness booths/competitors between events or something, but I can navigate a bar. Thanks for the info!

I've never opted for VIP but would imagine it involves an assigned seating area closer to the stage, access to an area backstage somewhere, and, if it's a bigger event, a meet-and-greet situation. (Sometimes it also includes complimentary branded trinkets and accessories). If the show is at a hotel or a convention center there will very likely be a bar. The first two shows I went to were at a hotel, and whenever I'd pop in there would usually be athletes hanging out. "Hitting the stage today/tonight?" is usually received well. Or, "how long have you been competing." Basic stuff. Just be socially intelligent and don't be creepily drooling or heavy breathing over the women. But if you can move the conversation into a flirtier place, all the better. The third show I went to was smaller than the first two, located at some historic little theater off the beaten path, and even there was a bar area set up in the lobby. No need to get smashed, but there's nothing wrong with maintaining a pleasant buzz to coast on through the event, provided you're not an amateur, a lightweight, or an alcoholic. Of the next two shows I have on my calendar, one is a bigger IFBB show and the other is a smaller NPC show. The bigger (IFBB) shows are more fun in my experience because there are just more athletes and attendees to mingle around with. It's slightly harder at smaller (NPC) shows but still worth the experience, again, if you're capable of socializing and having a nice time with anyone who looks approachable and you're not creeping out the women. Just be outgoing and charming with whoever is around and you'll likely end up chatting with a woman who catches your interest anyway.

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

More good info, thanks! My birthday is the weekend of the show, so perfect opportunity to take the water taxi over and do a little day drinking. Even with a few in me I'm socially aware enough I won't be asking anyone the type of questions you read about in the comments or anything like that :P

I messaged a couple athletes in my age group to see they might be competing; I figure if I get any positive responses there, that will hopefully lead to a quick in person hello and to have someone there I'm rooting for. And that's all I'm really looking for at my first show, so sounds like will be easy to meet expectations and have a good time!

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Good news, now that Chicago and Puerto Rico dropped WBB.

I messaged a couple athletes in my age group to see they might be competing; I figure if I get any positive responses there, that will hopefully lead to a quick in person hello and to have someone there I'm rooting for. And that's all I'm really looking for at my first show, so sounds like will be easy to meet expectations and have a good time!

Having somebody to root for in the competition is the key to having a great time. Hope find your right athlete.

Feb 05, 2026 - permalink

Is it reinstated?

One of the competitors said it came from the promoter and the show has been added back to the schedule on ifbbpro.com - https://www.ifbbpro.com/schedule/

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