Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium first broke ground in 1996. The 65,000-seat stadium (expandable to 75,000) hosted it’s first game on September 20, 1998, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Chicago Bears.
Raymond James Stadium is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, University of South Florida Football, Outback Bowl, Monster Jam, Gasparilla Bowl and the XFL. The stadium has hosted the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XLIII as well as many superstar concerts such as Kenny Chesney, U2, Beyonce, One Direction, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Raymond James Stadium hosted the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, which marked the first time this event had been hosted in the southeast United States. Raymond James Stadium is preparing to host Wrestlemania in 2020 and Super Bowl LV in 2021.
Members of the NFL Players Association have consistently rated Raymond James Stadium’s field as the best in the league and league insiders refer to the stadium as the “crown jewel” of the NFL.
New Renovations
Following the completion of the initial phase of a $140-plus million multi-phase renovation in 2016 , Raymond James Stadium now boasts the most technologically advanced HD video system in use today. It is comprised of two massive 9,600 square-foot boards on the north and south ends of the stadium – and four large 2,300 square-foot HD tower walls. With more than 31,000 square feet of video display space, this system ranks as the third-largest video board system in the NFL. The new sound system has 400+ speakers throughout the stadium providing 750,000 watts of power and has over 30 miles of cable connecting the speakers. The new video boards and sound system takes a fan’s game experience to a whole new level.
In 2017, renovations were completed in the Hyundai West Club, which is now 25% larger giving it a capacity of 60,000 square feet. It is home to 178 4K video monitors, 29’ x 15’ HD video walls at each end and an LED ribbon board. The team store is 10,000 square feet and the Buccaneers new locker room was completed prior to the 2017 season.
The final phase was finished prior to the 2018 season and featured a complete renovation of the East Club with a premium 10,000-square foot sports bar named Bar 76 as a reference to the team’s inaugural 1976 season. Additionally, the new 64,000-square foot East Club includes two sleek bars and HD video walls at each end of the club lounge. With the renovation of the 135 luxury suites and development of the Hall of Fame Clubs, all suites now have retractable windows, multiple HD TVs and open floor plans.
Pirate Ship
The iconic pirate ship, permanently harbored in Buccaneer Cove, provides a unique and impressive backdrop and was made by the same company that produces props for Walt Disney World. The pirate ship comes to life after the Buccaneers score a field goal or touchdown. Its loud cannons fire seven times to signal a touchdown and three to announce a field goal.
The booming cannons aren’t the only unique sounds featured throughout the stadium. In fact, an animatronic parrot perched on the stern of the pirate ship frequently talks to those passing beneath during Buccaneers games. Controlled by radio remote, it can even pick fans out of the crowd.
There is always something fun and exciting happening at Raymond James Stadium. Come experience it for yourself.