TV Merger Closes, March Madness Hits Tampa, Fine Art Show Opens Downtown
Tampa, FL – March 21, 2026 – A major TV merger closes, March Madness tips off at USF, and downtown welcomes a weekend fine art show.
Tampa is heading into the weekend with a mix of business news, college basketball excitement, and a splash of culture downtown.
Nexstar Closes Tegna Deal, Impacts Local TV
A major media merger with local implications was finalized this week. Nexstar Media Group completed its acquisition of Tegna in mid-March, a move that includes Tampa Bay CBS affiliate WTSP among the affected stations.
The deal allows Nexstar to expand its footprint in the Tampa Bay market, where it already owns other television properties. While viewers should not expect immediate on-air changes, ownership shifts like this can influence newsroom operations, shared services, and long-term strategy.
For a region that relies heavily on local broadcast coverage during hurricane season and major events, media consolidation is always worth watching.
March Madness Tips Off at USF Arena
Tampa is back on the national sports stage as the city hosts first and second round games of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Games are scheduled for March 20 and March 22 at the University of South Florida’s arena.
The tournament brings traveling fans, national television exposure, and a boost for local restaurants and hotels. Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods are expected to see increased traffic throughout the weekend.
City leaders have long positioned Tampa as a go-to host for major sporting events, and this weekend adds another high-profile chapter.
Tampa Fine Art Show Returns to Downtown
Art lovers can also head to Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park this weekend for the Tampa Fine Art Show, running March 21 and 22. The outdoor event features artists from around the country showcasing painting, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media.
Set against the downtown waterfront near Amalie Arena, the show offers a relaxed way to enjoy the spring weather while supporting working artists.
With sports fans, art patrons, and everyday residents all converging downtown, it is shaping up to be a lively March weekend in Tampa.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTSP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NCAA_Division_I_men%27s_basketball_tournament
https://hotworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Artist_App_as_of_08-18-25.pdf
