Hey Tampa Bay, or should we say Champa Bay! Whether you’re looking for a sports bar to catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game or the best things to do near Raymond James Stadium, you’ve come to the right place. Our Fan’s Guide to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has everything you need to enjoy football season, the Tampa Bay way!
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ are on a quest for to be back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. In the regular season, coach Bruce Arian’s squad went 11-5 before rattling off four straight postseason victories and a 31-9 thrashing of the Kansas City Chiefs to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in front of a sold-out home crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
Not only did the team make history as the first-ever to win the Super Bowl on their home field, but the Buccaneers added their second title in franchise history joining the 2003-2004 squad. Tampa Bay didn’t have the luxury of preseason contests last season due to COVID 19, however, that didn’t seem to matter much!
Seven teams in the history of the NFL have won consecutive Super Bowl Championships with the last franchise to do it the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl XXXIX. Can the Buccaneers become the eighth?
According to Elias, “the Bucs are the only team in the salary-cap era to return all 22 starters from their Super Bowl win, and the first team to do it since 1977.”
Check out the ultimate fan guide to enjoying the most out of your Tampa Bay Buccaneers game day experience at Raymond James Stadium and beyond!
Upcoming Games & Schedule
With Tom Brady under center and their starting offense and defense returning, we take a look at the Buccaneers 2021-2022 schedule.
Ready to cheer on the Bucs? Get tickets to an upcoming game and check out fun things to do at Raymond James Stadium while you’re there below!
Bucs Home Games in October
Can’t Miss Regular Season Showdowns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New England Patriots - 10/3 (Sunday) - 8:20 PM
Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, returns to Gillette Stadium, the home of the Patriots. It’s a place Brady called home for 20 seasons and a franchise he won six Super Bowl rings with, before making his way to the bay area last season. Brady proved he didn’t need Bill Belichick to win a Super Bowl. Not only will it be an exciting game, but we can’t wait to see the postgame hugs and handshakes!
Buffalo was one of the best teams in the NFL last season compiling a 13-3 record during the regular season. The Bills won their first two playoff games before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-24 in the AFC Championship. This could be a perfect indicator of where Tampa Bay stacks up against a formidable foe from the AFC and their postseason success.
In recent years, the only athlete who could compare to Tom Brady’s tenure was New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. This offseason, Brees hung up his cleats and retired leaving those in the “Big Easy” to see who would take over the helm. Last season, the Saints swept the Buccaneers including a 34-23 defeat in week one in New Orleans, and then 38-3 thumping in Tampa Bay later in the season. Can the Buccaneers dethrone the Saints and be in the driver seat for a change in the NFC South? This game could decide that.
Places to Visit Inside Raymond James Stadium
The Junior Bucs Krewe is set up outside with an opportunity for the little ones to get in the game with football obstacles and games, and the chance to get a photo with the team’s cheerleaders.
Once inside head directly to the north end zone and the 100-foot pirate ship that is a staple of Raymond James Stadium. Snap a selfie and don’t get started when the Krewe fires the cannons after the Buccaneers score.
During the game, those in the lower level, have the chance to haul in even more swag, silver, black, and red beads, and even the occasional t-shirt being launched out of what else… a cannon.
Raymond James Stadium has over 47 concession stands including some of our favorites like PDQ, Winghouse, and RumFish Grill.
Parking & Transportation
4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL 33607
Parking costs and hours vary depending on the event. Visit the Parking Map for more details.
Best Places To Check Out Before Or After A Game
One of our ten favorite breweries in Tampa Bay, there is nothing like your favorite ice cold beverage to enjoy while watching the defending Super Bowl Champions!
Cigar City has been serving house-brewed ales and lagers for over a decade. IPA lovers, we recommend the Jai Alai. The brewery brings the sun and citrus Florida is known for while taking cues from the city’s rich history in the cigar industry.
📍3924 W Spruce St.
Tampa, FL 33607
Riveters Tampa is located less than one mile from Raymond James Stadium making it the perfect spot for a pre-game or post-game meal. Start the party off right with a mimosa, bloody mary, or cocktail and one of their delicious “appateasers” including their Propaganda Poutine Fries or French Onion Bombers.
From salads to sandwiches, prime rib, steak, chicken, seafood, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf, Riveters Tampa has everything to satisfy your hunger and beverages that will quench your thirst.
📍2301 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33607
Best Sports Bars in Tampa Bay
Whether you’re looking for a place to hit up before going to Raymond James Stadium or a place to cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, check out our favorite sports bars. These spots serve some of the coldest beers and best wings in town!
Todd GrasleyMore Things to Do in Tampa Bay
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