A Guide to Raymond James Stadium
Opened in 1998 to replace the legendary "Big Sombrero," Raymond James Stadium serves as the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The stadium is known for the Buc's passionate fanbase and the full size pirate ship in the stands.
Getting to the Stadium
The stadium is located in West Tampa, just north of the Westshore business district and directly south of the Drew Park neighborhood.
Driving & Parking
- Driving
- From the South and WestTake I-275 North into Tampa. Take Exit 41A for Dale Mabry Highway North and follow the road directly toward the stadium.
- From the NorthTake I-275 South toward downtown Tampa. Take Exit 41B for Dale Mabry Highway, keeping right at the fork to head north on Dale Mabry Highway toward the stadium.
- From the EastTake I-4 West toward Tampa. To avoid downtown interchange congestion, take Exit 2 for Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and proceed west for approximately 4 miles directly to the stadium area. Alternatively, follow I-4 West to its terminus, merge onto I-275 North, and take Exit 41A for Dale Mabry Highway North.
- ParkingThe lots closest to the stadium are all reserved for premium ticket holders with Lots 3, 4, 6 and 7 reserved for club members and Lots 3D, 4VIP, 5 and 6D dedicated to suite holders. Most of the rest of the lots including Lots 1 and 2 to the north, 6-9 to the south and the various lots to the west offer a combination of pre-purchased and day of parking. Pre-purchasing parking through the team's website is encouraged to ensure a spot. Lot 11 west of the stadium and south of W Tampa Bay Blvd is the lone dedicated day of parking lot. The large lots are perfect for tailgating before the game. For supplies Publix Super Market at Hillsboro Plaza offers fresh groceries, and the nearby Target is good for general supplies. For beverages, Total Wine & More offers extensive selections of wine, beer, and spirits. West Tampa Liquors is a neighborhood destination in West Tampa.
Public Transit
- HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit)Two bus lines service the stadium with the Marion Transit Center in downtown Tampa serving as the main transfer point from the rest of the system.
- Route 36Connecting Britton Plaza in South Tampa to Carrollwood in North Tampa via Dale Mabry Highway.
- Route 32This route runs east-west just north of the stadium along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Rideshare
- The dedicated rideshare zone is at the George Steinbrenner Field parking lot across Dale Mabry Highway west of the stadium
Pregame Festivities
The area surrounding Raymond James Stadium offers numerous pregame options, with West Tampa and the Heights neighborhoods providing authentic Tampa experiences. The stadium is within easy reach of Tampa's best bars, breweries, and restaurants.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- Local sports bar with standard pub grub and lots of TVs
- Sports bar famous for their wings, sauced any way you like, and their beautiful service.
- The main production facility and taproom for Tampa's most recognized brewery featuring an inventive variety of beer styles and pub featuring regional flavors
- A regional sports bar chain featuring lots of TVs, a large draft selection and bar food.
- This historic Cuban restaurant has been serving authentic Cuban and Spanish cuisine since 1972. It's a Tampa landmark offering traditional dishes like ropa vieja, lechón asado, and Cuban sandwiches. The Capdevila family has owned it for generations, making it a Tampa institution.
- This classic American Grill features hearty steaks and fresh seafood, sushi and margaritas.
- This chain offers elevated bar food, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant social atmosphere with plenty of TVs for watching sports.
- A Tampa institution since 1912, this family owned Italian bakery serves pastries, breads, sandwiches, and Cuban coffee. The devil crab, guava pastries, and fresh-baked bread are Tampa classics.
- This Nashville style hot chicken chain serving signature hot chicken tenders and sandwiches.
City Attractions
- Tampa's historic entertainment district, also known as Florida's Latin Quarter. This vibrant neighborhood features the art of premium hand-rolled cigars, colorful nightlife, and Spanish Flamenco dancers.
- a 2.6-mile waterfront pedestrian walkway along the Hillsborough River that connects seven major waterfront parks and cultural institutions. You can walk, bike, or take a scooter down the Riverwalk, stopping at attractions like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay History Center, and Sparkman Wharf. It's one of Tampa's signature developments.
- An animal theme park featuring roller coasters, up close animal encounters, and live entertainment. It's one of Florida's best known theme parks, offering a mix of thrill rides, family rides, animal habitats, and seasonal entertainment.
- A mixed-use historic building in Tampa's Heights district along the Hillsborough River. Originally built in 1910 as a maintenance facility for Tampa's streetcars, it's now a vibrant food hall and event space with over 20 vendors offering diverse cuisines from Japanese ramen to Cuban pork sandwiches. It's right on the edge of the Hillsborough River and accessible to boats.
- Offering a 1.5-hour interactive pirate ship adventure out in Tampa Bay. Kids and adults can enjoy swashbuckling activities, water cannon fun, and a full bar for adults. It's Tampa's only pirate adventure cruise and a unique experience for families.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Pirate ShipLocated permanently in the north end zone within the "Buccaneers Cove" area. The 103-foot steel-and-concrete structure features replica cannons that fire to mark specific game events: seven times for a touchdown, three times for a field goal, and once when the team enters the opponent's red zone or during player introductions. A remote controlled animatronic parrot is perched on the stern to interact with passing fans .Before each home game, the ship raises the team's Jolly Roger flag, which remains flying for the duration of the game if the Buccaneers win, or is lowered if they lose. This tradition has become a signature element of Buccaneers football.
- The Ring of HonorThe names of the 13 members of the team's Ring of Honor are displayed on the facade of the upper deck on the east side of the stadium. The members are Lee Roy Selmon, John McKay, Jimmie Giles, Paul Gruber, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Mike Alstott, Doug Williams, John Lynch, Malcolm Glazer, Ronde Barber, Monte Kiffin, and Bruce Arians.
- Championship BannersThe team commemorates their two Super Bowl Championships (2002, 2020) on the facade below the Ring of Honor on the east side of the stadium.
Seating & Special Sections
- Buccaneer Cove & Pirate Ship BoardwalkLocated behind the north end zone, this area is styled as a 19th-century Caribbean pirate village. Fans can congregate along the 340-foot wooden boardwalk and dock area to buy food from beach themed concession shacks, view the 103-foot pirate ship up close, and interact with the remote controlled animatronic parrot.
- East Stadium ClubThis upscale 200-level offering features comfortable padded stadium seating with elevated views of the field. Members get access to a climate-controlled lounge anchored by Bar 76—a full-service restaurant and bar boasting over 50 TVs and local craft brews.
- Hyundai ClubLocated on the west (home) side of the stadium, this climate-controlled space represents the stadium's premier sideline club experience. It features three upscale bar areas, high end dining options, and seamless ground level entry into the main 10,000-square-foot Buccaneers Team Store.
- Seats At The 50Situated at midfield of the home sideline, these premium seats offer the best sightlines in the stadium. Tickets include access to a private lounge enclave within the Hyundai Club, paired with an all-inclusive premium liquor bar and gourmet food buffet.
- Lexus Club & 8AM ClubOperating out of the stadium's mid-level suite deck, these two exclusive, all-inclusive clubs used to be called Hall of Fame lounge spaces. The Lexus Club sits on the south side of the 50-yard line, while the 8AM Club sits on the north side. Both feature climate-controlled luxury, top tier bartending, and panoramic views of the action behind sliding glass windows.
- Champions LoungeA modern all-inclusive addition located inside the East Stadium Club. This upscale, air conditioned lounge provides high end food, a custom craft cocktail station, and a dedicated concierge, allowing fans to watch the game comfortably behind glass or from private padded seats.
- Luxury SuitesSpanning multiple levels of the stadium, private luxury suites feature open concept floor plans, high end wood and granite finishes, and dedicated catering options. Configurations are available to accommodate groups ranging from 8, 16, to 36+ guests.
Concessions
Raymond James Stadium's concession program features Tampa and Florida-inspired items alongside traditional stadium fare.
- Specialty Food
- Aussie Grillhis fast-casual concept inspired by Outback Steakhouse operates its primary location on the main 100-level concourse (behind section 118 Noteworthy items include the Bacon Bomb Burger, the Crispy Sriracha Chicken Sandwich, and the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
- Winghouse Bar & GrillWinghouse operates three standalone concession stands and two mobile carts split evenly between the 100 and 300 levels. They are highly sought after for their signature boneless wings tossed in various sauces, the hearty Blacksmith Bacon Burger, and their portable cart exclusive Philly Steak Sandwiches.
- Tampa Cuban DogAvailable at generic stands across both the 100 and 300 levels this local twist takes a standard all-beef stadium hot dog and loads it with traditional pressed Cuban sandwich ingredients, including mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Tampa Mojo Chicken & Rice BowlsFound at regional fare kiosks on the main concourses these bowls offer a fresh, hearty stadium alternative featuring shredded mojo-marinated chicken served over seasoned yellow rice, black beans, and fresh cilantro.
- Burnt End Mac & CheeseDistributed evenly across the stadium at concession hubs on the 100, 200, and 300 levels. This comfort food favorite pairs smoky BBQ burnt ends over creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with fried onions, a sweet BBQ drizzle, and crushed Cheeto dust.
- Beef Birria TacosLocated at select main concourse food hubs, these feature slow roasted barbacoa beef, melted cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and pickled red onions served inside crisp corn tortillas.
- DrinksBeer prices range from $12-$15 for domestic drafts, with craft selections available at premium pricing. The stadium features local Florida and Tampa Bay breweries, and the Florida Special lager is a unique stadium exclusive. All parking lots utilize cashless and contactless transactions.
- Craft BeerCoppertail Brewing can be found around the stadium and at a dedicated, branded Coppertail Bar on the east concourse. Cigar City Jai Alai is also widely available
- CocktailsFull service bars and drink stands are widely distributed around the stadium making standard mix drinks an accessible option
Stadium Information
Notable Events
- 3x Super Bowl Host (XXXV, XLIII, LV)
- Only team to host and win a Super Bowl in own building (LV, 2020 season)
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium