HOST YOUR SUPER BOWL WEEK EVENT ABOARD THE SS AMERICAN VICTORY
January - February 2009

 

The SS American Victory can make any Super Bowl event truly historic!

During the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIII, January 26-31, this restored, fully-operational, Coast Guard-approved World War II cargo vessel is available for dockside receptions, food functions -- even a day cruise.  Her name, profile and sailing history are the perfect combination for a Super Bowl event with a patriotic or nautical theme and her decks provide outstanding vistas of downtown and Tampa’s port!  

Centrally located in Tampa’s Channel District, the American Victory is just minutes from major downtown hotels, the Convention Center, Ybor City, and the Tampa Trolley Line and is berthed next to the Florida Aquarium. The ship has hosted sit-down meals, holiday parties, receptions, meetings, concerts, civic functions and fund-raisers - even a wedding! Use this link for a pdf version and a photo page. 

The 63-year old icon of America’s maritime might served honorably during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, carrying ‘guns, gear, grub and gas’ to GIs. The American Victory now serves as a memorial to America’s intrepid Merchant Mariners and makes periodic cruises on Tampa Bay.   

 

OFFICIAL SUPER BOWL EVENT RENTAL RATES

DATE	DAY RENTAL (8 AM - 5 PM)	EVENING RENTAL (5 PM - 12 M)	ENTIRE DAY/EVENING
Wednesday, January 28	$4,000	$5,000	$7,000
Thursday, January 29	$7,000	$8,000	$13,000
Friday, January 30	$9,000	$11,000	$18,000
Saturday, January 31	$13,000	$15,000	$25,000
Sunday, February 1	$4,000	$6,000	$8,000
Charter Cruise	Call for details

 

NOTES:

Please review the following information for details relating to renting the American Victory.

 

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 INFORMATION ABOUT HOSTING A SUPER BOWL EVENT

ABOARD THE SS AMERICAN VICTORY

We appreciate your interest in hosting a Super Bowl related event aboard the SS American Victory and hope the following information will help you make an informed decision.  Please review the information and complete the Event Request .
NOTE:  Submitting an Event Request is not a reservation. 

Once an Event Request  is received, a receipt confirmation will be sent by fax/e-mail within 48 hours.  The receipt confirmation is not a firm reservation. The request will be reviewed and availability checked; a tentative contract will then be prepared and sent by fax/e-mail, containing the necessary details, rental cost and other issues.  We strongly encourage a site visit by the event planner, event committee, service providers, entertainers and caterer prior to signing a contract. Please allow at least two hours for the visit.  

The PDF Event Request can be downloaded, completed and faxed to: (813) 228-8769 or completed on-line.

CATERING ARRANGEMENTS:
Hot/cold breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hors d’oeuvres and other types of meals have been served aboard the ship for up to 500 people.  Planners can select their own caterer, but we strongly urge that the caterer view the ship’s layout and logistics before making a commitment.   

HANDICAPPED ACCESS:
The American Victory was built as a cargo vessel and as such, lacks many of the features found on passenger ships, including handicap access.  The ship poses significant access issues, particularly for individuals who use wheel-chairs or who cannot move easily without assistance.  Reasonable arrangements for guests needing assistance can be considered.   

HEADS (BATHROOMS):  
The ship has heads (bathrooms) located in the main deckhouse; no heads are located below the main deck.  Depending on event type and number of guests, use of portable bathrooms should be considered.  

PARKING:  
Parking for shipboard events is available at two locations, the Florida Aquarium Parking Lot (flat fee) and the Port Authority Parking Garage  (per hour basis).    

The Florida Aquarium Parking Lot, with access off of York Street, is a short walk from the ship and is generally available for shipboard event parking.  The lot is controlled by the Aquarium and arrangements must be made directly with Aquarium staff at (813) 273-4000.  Parking is also available in the Port of Tampa Parking Garage (per hour basis), located across the Channelside Drive traffic circle, with access off Channelside Drive. 

SHIPBOARD SAFETY and FIRE PREVENTION
The American Victory is fully certified by the U. S. Coast Guard as an attraction vessel; we are required to make a short safety announcement as soon as practicable after an event begins.  To protect against the potential for shipboard fires, the Coast Guard restricts the use of certain fuels to cook and/or heat food.  

FEE PAYMENT:  
A deposit of 25% must accompany the event contract and becomes non-refundable after 11/30/08.

TAX STATUS:
The Victory Ship, Inc. is a 501 (c-3) not-for-profit organization.  As such, the rental fee may be tax deductible as a donation to the ship.  Details can be provided to your tax professional.   

INSURANCE:
The ship requires that the client obtain insurance coverage for an onboard event that names The Victory Ship Inc. as an ‘additional insured.’  Further details can be furnished.   

DOCK and SHIP ACCESS
The ship’s berth, the proximity of the Florida Aquarium and Port of Tampa security requirements can create access issues.  We strongly encourage you to arrange delivery/loading as early as possible prior to an event.  With advance notice, cargo machinery MAY be used to load heavy/bulky items.    

EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL REMOVAL: 
Material, equipment and supplies (including non-perishable food/beverage items) must be removed within 12 hours following an event.  

ELECTRICAL and DECK/HOLD ILLUMINATION NEEDS:
The ship’s electrical and lighting systems have limitations, both in capacity and location.  Options can be suggested if the required service is not available in a desired location. 

ENTERTAINMENT:
Groups are welcome to select their own entertainment (bands, disc jockey, etc.). We strongly recommend that a representative of the group visit the ship to ensure that power for instruments, amplification, etc. is available in the location where needed.  With adequate notice, cargo handling equipment MAY be available to assist with equipment loading/unloading.  

WEATHER: 
The American Victory is susceptible to the vagaries of rain, tides, wind and currents, all of which can affect a shipboard event, particularly on outside decks.  If inclement weather is forecast or imminent and could jeopardize the safety of guests or the ship, we reserve the right to move the event into protected space, or to postpone or cancel the event, after consulting with group representatives.    

AIR CONDITIONING:
The American Victory’s cargo (interior) decks are not air-conditioned.  

TO START THE PROCESS:
Please complete the Event Request  form or, download, fill-out and fax the PDF form to:  (813) 228-8769.  A ship’s representative will contact you within 48 hours and arrange a site visit.