Tampa Bay has a deep connection to aviation innovation. Over 100 years ago, on January 1, 1914, the world's first commercial air flight took off from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Tampa. This flight, piloted by Tony Jannus in the Benoist XIV airboat, marked a turning point in the history of transportation, forever changing the way people would traverse long distances. This innovation, born right here in the Tampa Bay area, is the foundation for the region’s continuing commitment to creativity and cutting-edge achievements. Tampa Bay will once again celebrate the spirit of flight—but with a unique twist.

On November 9, 2024, Tampa will host the Red Bull Flugtag, a celebration of ingenuity and daring that invites 34 teams to push the boundaries of homemade flying machines. This event takes inspiration from the same spirit of experimentation and boldness that fueled Tony Jannus’s groundbreaking flight over a century ago. Hosted at the Tampa Convention Center, the event will feature teams launching their craft from a 27-foot-high platform, aiming not only for flight but also for style and innovation.

The synergy between history and modern innovation couldn’t be clearer, especially with Tampa Bay (Champa Bay) and Red Bull at the forefront. A local team, competing with a design inspired by the historic Jannus flight, is making headlines for their reimagining of innovation through their entry into the Flugtag. The teams, which feature locals and students have aptly named one entry “The Jannus Jumper,” a nod to Tampa Bay’s aviation roots and its ongoing influence on the future of flight.

In total, over 200 teams applied for a spot in this highly anticipated event, with local team colleges like USF, Embry-Riddle, University of Tampa, and Florida Atlantic University also participating. The diversity of team designs—from whimsical, mascot-themed creations to mechanically sound, gravity-defying engineering—reflects the creativity and innovation that Red Bull Flugtag stands for.

The event’s judging will focus on three categories: design, creativity, and flight distance—a combination that mirrors the principles of disruptive innovation. Red Bull Flugtag is not just about competition; it’s about showcasing Tampa Bay’s rich heritage and the future-forward mindset of institutions like USF that continue to shape the landscape of innovation.

Credit: Red Bull

For Tampa Bay, the Red Bull Flugtag 2024 is a tribute to the pioneering spirit that took the first commercial flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa, and an opportunity to witness how local talent can soar (or sink) when given the Red Bull wings of imagination. 

Go Bulls! See you there!