Tampa Bay

Buccaneers

Win the Weekend

Heading to Tampa, FL for a gameday? Dive into our breakdown of what you should do for your upcoming trip.
Fire the Cannons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL’s swashbuckling franchise, set sail in 1976 and weathered a stormy start, enduring the longest losing streak in league history before charting a course to triumph. Their fortunes shifted with the arrival of Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp and linebacker Derrick Brooks, anchoring a defense that would become the team’s keel, culminating in their first Super Bowl victory in 2002. Raymond James Stadium, known affectionately as the “Ray Jay,” has been the Buccaneers’ treasure-filled cove since 1998, famous for its 103-foot-long pirate ship that fires cannons to celebrate every Tampa Bay score. It’s not just a venue but a destination, boasting a unique “Buccaneers Cove” game-day experience, complete with shipwrecks, palm trees, and a rollicking crowd that mirrors the festive atmosphere of Tampa Bay itself.

Gameday

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers embarked on their voyage in the NFL in 1976, and their early days were marked by a rough sea of losses, including a 0-26 record at their outset, a dubious streak that still stands today. But the tides turned with the hiring of head coach Tony Dungy in 1996, who charted a new course with a fierce defense that would become the team’s trademark. The pinnacle of their journey came in the 2002 season under coach Jon Gruden, when the Buccaneers hoisted their first Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XXXVII, anchored by their stalwart defense led by stars like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch. The franchise found wind in its sails again with the arrival of quarterback Tom Brady in 2020, leading to their second Super Bowl title in the 2020 season. The team’s history is a colorful tapestry of bold strategies, including the creation of the iconic, creamsicle-orange uniforms with the winking pirate, “Bucco Bruce,” a design that remains a cherished part of their lore.

Ticketing

Every time you use our Ticketmaster, StubHub or TickPick direct links, it’s like tossing a high-five our way with no additional charge for you. You get in the game, and we keep the lights on. It’s a win-win!

Ticketing 101

Like all sporting events, we encourage you to research your seats on a view from my seat.
The Buccaneers Sideline is Sections 132-144. If you’re going to pick an end zone, pick Sections

Visitors

The Visitors’ sideline is Sections .

Our Ticketing Partners

Finding the right seats at the right price can feel like a game all its own, but we’ve got you covered. We proudly recommend Tick Pick for quick pricing transparency and StubHub for their large inventory. The Ticketmaster seat maps are very useful for understanding the number of rows in a section and the exact location of a seat within a row.

Parking

Parking 101

Tailgate Traditions

Tailgating 101

The Stadium

Getting Started

Raymond James Stadium, the bastion of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1998, is renowned for its signature 103-foot pirate ship, which unleashes booming cannon blasts for every Buccaneer touchdown, thrilling fans with its unique game-day spectacle. The stadium has witnessed its fair share of historic games, including a Buccaneers’ homegrown Super Bowl victory in 2021. Raymond James Stadium also stands out for hosting the annual Outback Bowl for college football.

Best Stadium Spots

Best Stadium Food & Drink

What to Watch For

Eat, Drink, Stay

Lodging

We keep this show on the road via affiliate partnerships.  We’re grateful when you use our links during booking, and there’s no additional cost to you.  It’s kinda like buying us a free round of beers.  Cheers!

Rookie Budget

When your bank account screams ramen noodles, but your squad’s ready to party. Crash in these wallet-friendly hotels that are sure to create memories while being close to the action.

Veteran Budget

When you’ve upgraded to that alumni polo, but aren’t quite swimming in cash. Hotels that balance budget and luxury, perfect for sharing a room with a buddy without sharing a bed.

Luxury Box Budget​

For those who’ve climbed the ladder of success or those who choose to YOLO. Either way, we respect you endlessly.Spoil yourself with luxury and location with these hotels.

Bars & Restaurants​

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Game Day Apparel​

We fuel this road trip with affiliate partnerships.  If you’re going to buy merch, we appreciate you visiting these sites below via our affiliate links.

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Elevate the weekend. What are we missing?

We need your fan-sourced insights to level up this road trip.

You know your school and town better than we do.  Brag about what sets your town, team, and stadium apart.  Share your favorite insights and images with us.  From hole-in-the-wall bars to tailgate traditions, we want to hear from you.  This is a site for the fans by the fans, we need your championship tips.

We'd love to feature your best pics of gameday, bars, restaurants - anything you deem worthy.

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