Tampa area residents looking for a public place to play dominoes now have a new destination. City leaders in Ybor City just unveiled a permanent dominoes table in Centennial Park.

  • Dominoes table represents piece of Tampa's culture
  • Resident Leo Alvarez came up with idea
  • Table cost the city $4,500

Councilman Charlie "Cool Hand" Miranda took part in the inaugural game Wednesday.
 
“Playing dominoes, you have to laugh, you have to talk, you have to say what a mistake I made, what a great player you are and sometimes you mean it and sometimes you don’t,” Miranda laughed.
 
The dominoes table represents an important piece of Tampa’s culture.
 
“When you’re a kid, growing up in our culture, our aunts, your parents, your grandparents, they're all playing dominoes,” Jennifer Alonso said. “They sit you on their lap, they teach you how to play and you're two years old and you're watching them do that, so it's awesome to have somewhere where we can bring our children and enjoy the community.”
 
Resident Leo Alvarez came up with the idea for the dominoes table. Ybor City’s Development Corporation turned the idea into reality.
 
“It’s a dream come true,” Alvarez said. “I can see the history of Tampa continue. Tampa’s beginnings and not just the person who grew up here with it, but the younger generations.”
 
The dominoes table in Centennial Park can also be used to play chess and checkers. The table cost the city $4,500.