Tampa’s first day of 2025 is about to be lit big time! Like the giant party animal he is, Shaquille O’Neal is ringing in the new year in South Florida with an epic party. With three of six kids in the Sunshine State and the number of months he spends in Florida, it’s no surprise that Shaq chose this area as the venue to end 2024. South Florida’s party scene for the end of the year is public and, of course, the one featuring DJ Diesel has locals most excited.

Right after wrapping his set at Midway in San Francisco this Sunday, Shaq hopped on his private jet to fly to the East Coast. He spent that plane ride filming his silly dad joke videos. But on the eve of December 31, he’s going to slip into his wild party persona.

O’Neal will perform at the Pier at Armature Works on New Year’s Eve. He starts his set at 8 PM on Tuesday, performing six hours straight against the spectacular Tampa Bay skyline. The show wraps at 2 AM after a night of fireworks and dancing to DJ Diesel’s mixes. Henry Fong is his co-headliner of the night. Roxy Ferrari, DJ Camo, and Kelly Mae are also performing.

Shaq returns to Tampa as EDM’s newest megastar after he performed at Hard Rock on Halloween last year. To make this special, Pied Piper Productions (that is organizing the event) ran ’10 Days of Shaqmas with fun contests like fan-made slogans and gift ideas. And of course, what would you say if you met Shaq?

Tickets for the event were on sale this week for $95 a pop. And if you miss this one, there’s another O’Neal New Year next door.

Shaq’s son has his own New Year plans

Before the Tampa festivities, Miami will have an O’Neal party of its own. Myles O’Neal performed on December 30 at E11EVEN’s Winter Wonderland. Shaq was the guest performer at E11EVEN while Myles was the main act. It’s homecoming for Shaq and Shaunie’s eldest son who grew up here during the prime Shaquille O’Neal era of the Miami Heat.

Myles now calls California home, and he spent Christmas with his mom and siblings in Houston, Texas. His younger brother, Shareef, is back in Miami, helping out Shaq with Reebok. The youngest of the O’Neal Boyz, Shaqir attends Florida A&M in Tallahassee. The youngest of the fam, Me’Arah, is the outstanding star of the Florida Gators who’s restoring Gainesville’s standing in the SEC.

No word on whether Myles will be performing in Tampa too (though we won’t be opposed to it!). 2025 is off to a big start with DJ Diesel in the front.