For those still contemplating hitting the “Beach” at Amalie Arena, you have another week to take in the interactive, experiential art installation. The mirrored optics and energy from the (500 maximum) crowd are worth it. And there’s free parking and lockers–plus a gratis ice cream treat.
There is one caveat, however.
If you’re old enough to have, say, knee or shoulder issues, hang out on the peripheral (white turf carpet) “shoreline” and enjoy the aesthetic scene and all-around escapism from this vantage point. But keep your shoes on for traction–just in case you yield to the temptation of “wading” into 1.2 million white (recyclable, antimicrobial, translucent) balls in a 15,000–square-foot immersive environment. If you decide to plunk down, remember getting back up won’t be as easy as it looks. But you’ll make it. And Amalie-personnel “lifeguards” are nearby.
And lest we forget, this all comes courtesy of the Vinik Family Foundation and key catalyst Penny Vinik. Thank you–and go Lightning.