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 Raymond
James Stadium
Since its opening in 1998, Raymond James Stadium has been called
one of the crown jewels of stadiums in the NFL. The Buccaneers
spent 21 seasons playing at the 74,000 seat Houlihan Stadium. When
owner Hugh Culverhouse died in 1994 the future of the Buccaneers
was uncertain. Groups in cities including Baltimore, Orlando, St.
Louis, and Toronto wanted to buy the franchise to relocate the
team. Malcolm Glazer bought the team in 1995 and demanded that a
new stadium be built for the Buccaneers. After the team was
unsuccessful in selling charter seats in a campaign to fund a new
stadium it appeared that the team may move to Cleveland to replace
the Browns who had moved to Baltimore. However, in September 1996
Hillsborough County voters approved a referendum to construct a
stadium for the Buccaneers in Tampa.
The Buccaneers wanted a combination
of the finest elements of modern stadium design and its own
groundbreaking innovations in a new stadium. Construction began
adjacent to Houlihan Stadium in October 1996.
Raymond James Financial of Tampa purchased the
naming rights for 13 years, thus the stadium was named Raymond
James Stadium.
On September 20, 1998
the Buccaneers played their inaugural first game at Raymond James
Stadium against the Chicago Bears
when over 65,000 fans filled the stadium. Two, three tier
grandstands are located on both sides on the playing field, and
additional seating is located past both endzones. Raymond James
Stadium's features are centered around one concept: enhancing fans experiences at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers games. The stadium
includes many amenities including 12,000 club seats, 195 luxury
suites and the main feature, Buccaneer Cove.
Located
beyond the north endzone at Raymond James Stadium, Buccaneer Cove,
is modeled after a 19th century Pirate village. Costing
$3 million, Buccaneer Cove's main attraction is a 103 foot long
 replica Pirate ship. The ship serves as a entertainment area for
fans. Other features of the Cove include a weathered, 2-story
fishing village facade from which a wide variety of stadium
concessions, ranging from standard fare to more authentic Tampa
items. Also located throughout the area are a variety of beach hut
kiosks offering additional concessions, a 9 ft x 7 ft skull, and
other game enhancements. When a Buccaneer player scores a
touchdown, eight cannons fire to celebrate the moment. Raymond
James Stadium has been the host of the Super Bowl and is home of
the Outback Bowl every year.
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