Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium is a stadium for American football and soccer located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the University of South Florida football team, and was formerly home to the MLS's Tampa Bay Mutiny. The stadium seats just over 65,000, and it is expandable for special events. The stadium also hosts the annual Outback Bowl on New Year's Day. Super Bowl XXXV was held there on January 28, 2001 between the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants. It will host Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.

Related Topics:
American football - Soccer - Tampa, Florida - NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - University of South Florida - MLS - Tampa Bay Mutiny - Outback Bowl - New Year's Day - Super Bowl XXXV - January 28 - 2001 - Baltimore Ravens - New York Giants - Super Bowl XLIII

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Raymond James Stadium was built primarily to replace the aging Hoolihan's Stadium, formerly located adjacent to the property. Originally referred to as Tampa Community Stadium, the naming rights were bought for $32.5 million USD for a thirteen-year deal by St. Petersburg-based Raymond James. The stadium officially opened September 20, 1998, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears, 27-15. The final cost of the stadium was $168.5 million, publicly financed.

Related Topics:
Hoolihan's Stadium - USD - St. Petersburg - Raymond James - September 20 - 1998 - Chicago Bears

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One of the most recognizable features of the stadium is a 103-foot, 43-ton steel-and-concrete replica pirate ship, which fires soft-rubber footballs and confetti each time that the Bucs score points. The cannons fire six times for a touchdown, once for an extra point or if the Bucs get into their opponent's red zone, twice for a safety or two point conversion, and three times for a field goal. In addition, when the Buccaneers enter their opponent's red zone, stadium hosts hoist team flags around the perimeter of the upper deck.

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When it opened, Raymond James Stadium was dubbed the "crown jewel" of the NFL. Buc Vision, a pair of 92-foot wide video screens, are among the largest in the league. Buccaneer Cove features a weathered, two-story fishing village facade, housing stadium concessions and restrooms. All areas of the stadium are ADA compliant.

Related Topics:
Video - Facade - Restrooms - ADA

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Temporary bleachers were erected in the endzones for Super Bowl XXXV, and the attendance was a stadium record 71,921.

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