Arts and Entertainment Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: August 24-26

photo by Page-Moore 941.518.4600

BRADENTON – It's a big sports weekend as High School football returns to Hawkins Field for the 2012 pre-season Kickoff Classic, when the 'Canes host Osceola. On Saturday night, you can catch live professional soccer at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete, as the Tampa Rowdies host the Puerto Rico Islanders in an NASL soccer match.

If sports isn't your thing, get over to the Manatee Players where you can catch the Broadway smash hit Legally Blonde in one of three shows this weekend. Grab your fan gear or throw your pooch in the purse: it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

The Manatee Hurricanes are ranked number one in the nation by Maxpreps and number three by USA Today and are set to make a run at their long-sought first national title. Get a glimpse at this year's team when they host Osceola Friday night at Hawkins Stadium at 7:30 p.m..

You can grab a bite at the Shake Pit before the game and then settle in for what's sure to be an explosive game as Coach Joe Kinnan and his boys get in one final tune-up before the real season kicks off the following week.

If you've always wanted to check out a professional soccer match, this weekend is your chance to see the most popular sport on Earth, right in our own backyard. Hop over the bridge and take in a Tampa Bay Rowdies match in the beautiful tropical confines of Al Lang stadium – former spring training headquarters of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Get into the spirit with some of the liveliest fans around with one of the most fun and affordable professional sports outings in the area. The Rowdies host Puerto Rico Saturday night at 7:30. Click here to order tickets.

Legally Blonde was a huge hit on Broadway, but you don't need to go to New York to see this hilarious musical adaptation of the Hollywood comedy that starred Reese Witherspoon as a hapless law school student who stumbles and bumbles her way into zany courtroom success.

Performances will be held Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. A limited selection of tickets are still available. Click here to order online.

photo: www.rowdiessoccer.com