Tampa Busts Out a New Lingerie Football League, the Tampa Breeze....Football Meets Sexy

Tampa has always been a huge football town with a huge faithful fan base. Bucs' fever was rampant until this unusually, dreadful season. So far the Tampa Bucs (short for Buccaneers) have played 13 games and lost 12. But forget about the Bucs and their sorry situation...Tampa has a new reason to be happy and hopeful. It has very own lingerie football team....the Tampa Breeze.

What does football have to do with lingerie you may ask? For those of you who have trouble thinking outside the bust (I mean box) football has every thing to do with lingerie. Picture those Victoria Secret lovelies in their 6 inch spike heels and huge, feathery angel wings, wearing teeny, tiny jeweled panties and bras while playing football, and you can get the idea. Lingerie, lovely ladies and football is what Tampa Bucs fans need to keep their spirit alive. What could be better?

Obviously for those of you who know the rules of football, the angel wings and spike heels have to go if the game is to be played well, but the lingerie of course stays, along with just the teeniest football uniforms and protective gear to protect the fair ladies from injury.

To answer a few questions about Lingerie Football:

What is it?

Lingerie Football was originally a Super Bowl alternative to the annual half time show, first shown in 2004. Instead of watching the well touted extravaganzas starring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Justin Timberlake, fans could watch a pay-per-view special of scantily clad women play 7on 7 indoor tackle football. This television special quickly became a staple of Super Bowl Sunday festivities for millions world wide, and has been shown in 85 countries.

With such success and popularity, the need for an on going Lingerie Football League was recognized. Today 10 teams are competing in the 2009-2010 season:

Who are the Teams?

The Eastern Conference is made up of the Philadelphia Passions, the Chicago Bliss, Miami Caliente, New York Majesty and the Tampa Breeze.

The Western Conference consists of Dallas Desire, The Denver Dream, Los Angeles Temptation, San Diego Seduction, and the Seattle Mist.

Who are the Players?

They must to be attractive young females not shy about getting their uniform pulled off, or messed up, while playing tackle football in front of beer drinking football fans. Standards are high. Competition is stiff.

They maybe have some experience in athletics or body building. It is not a game for sissy girls. You must have "heart."

Many have watched football with their boyfriends or went to football games to party.

The Tampa Breeze team has 14 active and 6 reserve players. They range in age 18 to 35.

Most have full time jobs or go to college. Some are bikini models.

They have cool names like Mandy, Tiffani, Jenn, Ashley and Brandyce. You can click on their web site, Tampa Breeze.com, and vote for your favorite.

Do they get paid?

Players get a check based on attendance and their team's record. Some admit they play for the exposure and thrill of the game rather than for the cash.

Planet Beach gives the team free, unlimited tanning.

Games get recorded and are available for pay-per-view a few days later at lflus.com. The players try to make the game exciting and worth seeing again.

What do they wear?

Is it really lingerie? Technically No. A sports bra and bikini shorts with a lace choker and garters make up the Tampa Breeze uniform. To prevent wardrobe malfunctions, players are required to wear pasties held on by double sided tape. During games, players wear helmets and pads to prevent injury. They put a small stripe of that black stuff under each eye.

Players can be suspended for purposely pulling down another player's top or bottom. They can get ejected from the game or fined for starting a fight.

Are tickets difficult to get?

Not at all. League Ticket prices range from $15-$135. Tampa officials have not released attendance figures, but attendance in other cities is thought to be on the low side.

For more information see the Tampa Breeze site at entertainment@tampabay.com. The Philadelphia Passions recently defeated the Tampa Breeze ladies 12-6. They will play the New York Majesty on January 15th and Miami Caliente on January 22^nd. Check with Ticketmaster for more details. Season tickets are available.

Sources:

Tampa Breeze.com

St Pete times

Wikipedia.com