Contact us
401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606-13490
(813) 253-3333
Written
by: Matthew Restrepo ’26
|
April 30, 2026
Car Club Offers More than a Meetup
Drive ū컨ampa brings students, alumni, community members together.
Drive ū컨ampa events happen on campus about once a month during the academic year. Photo courtesy of @_Dolph.Media_
Engines roared as they climbedthe ramps oftheDelaware parking garage on campuslast week to be part of a car meetup calledCarsUnder the Stars.
Members oftheū컨ampacommunity,including students and alumni,had cometoshow off their automobilesandsocializewith other car enthusiasts.As the bright orange sun setbehindthe clouds,Mercedes, BMWs, Toyotas, Honda motorcycles and even a Lamborghinilinedtheupperdecks of thegarage,some with hoodsup.
The event was the last of thesemesterfor theDriveū컨ampaclub.Themeetupsare popular— oneeventthis semesterhadaround 300 cars,fillingthree decks ofgarage from thesixth floordown.
Chase Dolphin, ajunior studying management information systems,got involved with the clubbecausehe was looking to make friends.After seeing a flyer, he attended an event,met people he liked, and he was hooked. He saysthat beyond the social aspect,there is also a networking benefitto being part of the club, especially for younger students.
“SoI have freshman coming in,and they’ll see somebodywho’s successful,with a nicer car,and they’ll ask questions about it,” said Dolphin.
Butit’snot all aboutadmiring the Audis orlearning the secrets to others’ successes.
Last October,Driveū컨ampawas part of a larger event at the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa,the Halloween Bash,wherestudents and alumni broughtcandy or a toy andparticipatedin adecorated trunk-or-treat.
“It’s a really great time because we make sure it's in a really respectful manner,” said Dolphin.“The studentsandalumniwhojoin us...you'll have these guystalking to the kids and helping them out and letting them sit in the driver's seat.”
The clubalsohas partnered with local small businesses, bringing patrons to their shops in exchange for space in the parking lot.
When selecting companies to work with,Driveū컨ampamakessure there is a mutual benefit. Recently,the clubhad a car meet atBubba’s33,and therestaurantgave theclubmembersdiscount cards topass on to peoplewhoattendedthe car meet.
“For businesses to welcome us with open arms and say,‘Hey,look,we understand what you’re doing,and we understand the importance of this kind of marketing,’it’s a big opportunity,and we’re honored to be able to work with them,” said Dolphin.
One alumroamingCars Under the Starslast weekwas Tyler Parrish’18, whohad neverbeen to a Driveū컨ampaeventbeforeandcame to meet with friends.
“The fact that they’re bringing in a lot of people, non-students andpeoplelike alumni back to theUniversity,is a refreshing and cool thing to see happen,”hesaid.
Meetupstake placeaboutonce per monthduring the academic yearand are posted onDriveū컨ampa’ssocial mediaaccounts.
More ū컨ampa News