TAMPA, Fla. – Following the announcement that Raymond James Stadium will host fans beginning with this Sunday’s soft opening game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Los Angeles Chargers, the Tampa Sports Authority, Buccaneers and University of South Florida today unveiled a comprehensive plan detailing the reopening plan.
Changes to the fan experience will feature a variety of safety measures including socially distanced seating, the implementation of full mobile ticketing and cashless transactions, the installation of touchless hardware in restrooms, enhanced sanitation measures, and additional food preparation safety protocols at all concessions areas. As part of COVID-19 safety protocols, there will be no tailgating permitted in any of the stadium parking lots and a no-bag policy will be enforced for fans entering the stadium.
“We are excited to be welcoming fans back to Raymond James Stadium,” said Eric D. Hart, President/CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority. “We have done extensive upgrades to meet CDC guidelines for fan safety while attending our events. We would like to thank Hillsborough County for providing us the opportunity to receive CARES Act funding for these essential public safety improvements.”
For Sunday’s game, the Buccaneers will host season pass members with continuous membership since 1998 or earlier. The Bulls will follow on Oct. 10 with a homecoming game against East Carolina University. Attendance policies for that game are expected to be announced in the coming days. Starting with the Buccaneers’ next home game on Oct. 18 against the Green Bay Packers, seating at Raymond James Stadium will be approximately 25 percent of capacity.
“The safety of our fans, players and staff has been our top priority throughout this process,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford.
“We have worked closely with the TSA and local authorities to ensure that Raymond James Stadium is ready to host our fans for the remainder of this highly anticipated season. Game days may seem a little different this season, but we remain as committed as ever to providing our fans with the first-in-class experience they have grown to expect.”
USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly added: “We are fortunate to have terrific partners like the Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the tremendous investment in Raymond James Stadium to help create what I think will be the safest and most comfortable guest experience in college football when our fans return. Game days won’t be quite the comprehensive fan experience we have grown accustomed to in the Bay area, but they will be first-class, safe and enjoyable.”