One-On-one with Tony Diaz

Our team is a passionate group of MVPs who are ready to propel the #TampaBayLV movement forward forever. “Together, we will focus on raising the bar for the fan experience in the region, implementing lasting legacy initiatives, showcasing the destination’s recent progress and exciting future, all while delivering a fifth world-class Super Bowl.” - Rob Higgins

Tony Diaz Vice president of operations Tony Diaz is Vice President of Operations for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee.

Tony joined the Tampa Bay Sports Commission staff as the Sales and Events Coordinator on October 1, 2010. Four years later (October 1, 2014), Tony was promoted to Sales and Events Manager and in 2019 was elevated to Director of Sales and Events. Tony assists with the coordination of the commission’s direct sales efforts in attracting as well as organizing sports and entertainment events of all sizes on behalf of the community.

Tony received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in May of 2010, and his degree of Master of Business Administration from Florida International University in December of 2018. Before joining the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tony was an intern in the Special Events and Team Operations department with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2009-2010 season.

You are serving in a critical role as the Vice President of Operations for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee. Please explain your core responsibilities and how your 10 years of experience with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and on previous host committee’s has prepared you for this opportunity. As the Vice President of Operations, my role is to serve as the primary liaison for the Host Committee on all transportation, team operations, parking and other logistical components related to Super Bowl LV. I work very closely with our partners at the Tampa Sports Authority who interface directly with the NFL regarding all the elements at Raymond James Stadium, and the surrounding areas. In addition, I work alongside our Director of Community Ambassadors, to plan for successful implementation of our volunteer program, which will be a crucial piece to Team Tampa Bay’s hosting effort. Last, but not least, and like everyone else on our staff, my role comes with the “other duties as assigned” tag that we use daily! Having the privilege to be a part of our team at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission over the past ten years has given me the opportunity to take several key leadership roles in previous major events Tampa Bay has hosted. Events such as the 2019 and 2015 NCAA Women’s Final Four, 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, 2016 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, and 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Preliminary Rounds have provided me with the experience to step in and assist in any role necessary with the Super Bowl LV Host Committee.

You have worked with youth, amateur and major event organizers and planners from all over the country. From your perspective, what makes Tampa Bay so special and why do so many events continue to return to our community? The people, our outstanding sports franchises and community partners, our hospitality, and of course, our weather! Born and raised here in Tampa, there is truly nowhere else I would rather be. I have always felt a genuine sense of pride when given the opportunity to be part of all the incredible events we have had the privilege to host. Event organizers and planners can hopefully feel that sense of pride radiate from everyone in the Tampa Bay event and hospitality industry the moment they arrive.

As a life-long Team Tampa Bay fan and former Buccaneer employee that still assists on game days, how excited are you for the future of the franchise? Tough to put into words, with no pictures or GIFs, but I am pumped! While I am undoubtedly excited to see the great Tom Brady take the field in a Buccaneers uniform, the defense that Jason Licht has returning next season has me equally enthusiastic. The five prime-time games, the classic head-to-head QB matchups, the crowds at Raymond James Stadium, everything about this year has me thrilled to be a Bucs fan. Also, I am excited for the staff at AdventHealth Training Center with all the buzz from this offseason carrying forward into the regular season, playoffs, and when the Bucs hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in their own stadium come February 7, 2021!

You have the unique opportunity to wear many different hats for the Host Committee as well as the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. What do you love most about your job and the team you do it with? Our ability to adapt and adjust to any circumstance is probably the most impressive feature about our staff. We have a team of experienced individuals who know how to do their jobs and do them at a very high level, while having fun in the process. While our staff is small in numbers, we are also very fortunate to work alongside great community partners that double as an extension of our family and team. They are all a huge part of our ability to deliver and host big events successfully.

After the confetti falls on Feb. 7, 2021, what do you hope fans and visitors will say about their time in Tampa Bay? That they can’t wait to come back and visit! Given what so many of us around the world are going through this year, Super Bowl LV will likely be one of the most anticipated and important events that we’ve had the opportunity to be a part of. There are a lot of incredible people putting in long hours to make sure fans and visitors have an unforgettable experience while in our hometown.