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Raymond James Stadium - home of Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL
NFL

Raymond James StadiumTampa, Florida

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

👥
Capacity
69,218
🏆
Conference
NFC South
📅
Opened
1998
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium, known as the "Ray Jay," is a cornerstone of Tampa sports, serving as the home for the Buccaneers and the USF Bulls. It is world-famous for its 103-foot pirate ship in the north end zone and has hosted three Super Bowls, including the Bucs' historic home-field victory in Super Bowl LV.

🏛️History

Origins

Built to replace the aging Tampa Stadium and provide a world-class venue for the Buccaneers and USF football. The stadium opened in 1998 and has since been hailed as a "crown jewel" of the NFL.

Major Renovations

2016Added massive HD video boards (over 31,000 sq ft) and a state-of-the-art sound system.
2018Expanded the East and West clubs and renovated all luxury suites with retractable windows.

Notable Moments

Feb 7, 2021Super Bowl LV: Buccaneers became the first team to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Jan 9, 2017Hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship (Clemson vs. Alabama).

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The lower bowl offers great proximity to the action, but for the best shade, look for seats on the west side (home sideline). End zone seats near the pirate ship provide the most festive atmosphere.

Parking Tips

Parking is plentiful in the surrounding grass lots, which open 3.5 hours before kickoff. All transactions are cashless; booking via ParkWhiz is highly recommended.

Game Day

Listen for the pirate ship's cannons, which fire after every touchdown and when the team enters the red zone. Arrive early for "Bucs Beach" pregame festivities and bead throws in the plaza.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Hattricks

$$

Downtown Tampa sports bar legend known for wings and a loyal Bucs crowd.

📍 5.0 miles107 S Franklin St

💡 Order the smoked wings and arrive early on Sundays.

Cigar City Brewing

$$

Tampa craft beer icon with a spacious taproom and food offerings.

📍 2.6 miles3924 W Spruce St

💡 Try the Jai Alai IPA before heading to the stadium.

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen

$$

Massive beer selection and plenty of TVs near the Westshore district.

📍 1.8 miles402 S Dale Mabry Hwy

💡 Good spot to catch early games if you are doing a doubleheader.

🍽️Restaurants

Columbia Restaurant

$$$

Historic Ybor City Cuban institution known for the 1905 salad and paella.

📍 6.5 miles2117 E 7th Ave

💡 Make a reservation if you want the classic dining experience.

Ulele

$$$

Riverside Tampa favorite serving Florida-inspired seafood and native flavors.

📍 5.5 miles1810 N Highland Ave

💡 Great pregame brunch spot if you have time before kickoff.

Bern's Steak House

$$$

Iconic Tampa steakhouse known for its dessert room and dry-aged cuts.

📍 4.2 miles1208 S Howard Ave

💡 Book well in advance—tables disappear on football weekends.

🏨Hotels

Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel

$$$

Upscale hotel near the stadium with easy access to the airport.

📍 1.8 miles4200 Jim Walter Blvd

💡 Walkable to nearby dining and a quick rideshare to the stadium.

AC Hotel Tampa Airport

$$$

Modern hotel option with quick access to Dale Mabry Highway.

📍 2.3 miles4020 W Boy Scout Blvd

💡 Ask about early check-in on game days.

🎭Attractions

George M. Steinbrenner Field

$$

Spring training home of the New York Yankees just across the street.

📍 0.6 miles1 Steinbrenner Dr

💡 Stop by the team store if you are in town during spring training season.

Tampa Riverwalk

$

Scenic waterfront walk with parks, museums, and downtown views.

📍 5.1 miles600 N Ashley Dr

💡 Great postgame stroll if you are staying downtown.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Raymond James Stadium Official Lots

$40
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff—tailgating is lively.

🎉

Himes Avenue Grass Lots

$30
Tailgate📍 0.4 miles

💡 Popular tailgate area with quick access to the stadium gates.

🚌

ParkWhiz Off-Site Lots

$25
Shuttle📍 1.2 miles

💡 Reserve in advance and follow shuttle instructions for entry.

Suggest a Tip

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Stadium Rankings

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#37 Largest Stadium
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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.