TAMPA, Fla. – Ahead of the Tampa Bay Sun FC home opener, members of the club stepped away from the pitch to spend time with some of the people who spend their days serving the Tampa Bay community.
As the Sun prepare for Salute to Service Night on September 12, the team visited Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire to show appreciation for the first responders who serve and protect our community.
The visits gave players the chance to meet the people behind the uniforms, learn more about their work and experience a few parts of their jobs firsthand.
A Look Inside the Police Department
The visit to the police department gave the players an inside look at several specialized areas of law enforcement.
The group learned about the K9 unit, including how officers and their canine partners work together in the field. They also got an up-close look at the SWAT team, learning about the specialized equipment, training and preparation that goes into handling some of the most challenging situations officers face.
The players also took part in a challenge using impaired vision goggles, which simulate the effects of alcohol impairment. The exercise put their balance, coordination and ability to complete simple tasks to the test while reinforcing the importance of making responsible decisions behind the wheel.
It was a fun challenge for the group, but it also offered a memorable reminder of the very real dangers of impaired driving.
A Visit to Tampa Fire
The Sun then headed to Tampa Fire, where the players got a firsthand look at life inside a fire station.
The group toured the station and learned more about the day-to-day work of firefighters, from training and preparation to responding when their community needs them.
One of the highlights of the visit was getting the opportunity to speak with Chief Tripp, Tampa Fire’s first female Fire Chief. The players heard about her career and path through the fire service, as well as what it means to lead and serve the Tampa Bay community.
Of course, no fire department visit would be complete without getting a little hands-on.
The players tried on some of the equipment firefighters use on the job, climbed aboard a fire truck and even got the chance to practice with a fire hose.
The water hose quickly became its own competition, with the players putting their aim and teamwork to the test. While they may be used to competing on the soccer field, this was a very different kind of challenge.
Saluting Those Who Serve
The visits are part of the Sun’s lead-up to Salute to Service Night, when the club will honor military members and first responders from across the Tampa Bay community during its home opener.
For the Sun, the night is an opportunity to recognize the people who dedicate their lives to serving others, both in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Spending time with the police and fire departments offered our players a chance to learn, connect and say thank you in a more personal way.
We are proud to call Tampa Bay home, and that means recognizing the people who help make this community what it is. From the officers protecting our neighborhoods to the firefighters answering calls around the clock, their commitment to service reaches far beyond a single night.
As we get ready to open our doors at home, we’re excited to celebrate them with our fans.
From our community to our home. We’ll see you at the stadium.
Get your tickets to our home opener on September 12: https://seatgeek.com/tampa-bay-sun-fc-tickets/super-league-soccer/2026-09-12-6-pm/18324415
Salute to Service Night is presented by Suncoast Credit Union
