Raymond James Stadium sits in west Tampa, near the airport, famous for the pirate ship in the north end zone that fires its cannons after Bucs scores. Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's a warm, tailgate-heavy game day that pairs with Tampa's nightlife and the Gulf beaches.
Getting There
Fly into Tampa (TPA) — conveniently close to the stadium, just a few minutes away.
There's limited transit to the stadium, so most fans drive or rideshare. It's an easy, short trip from the airport or downtown.
Where to Stay
Stay in downtown Tampa or the Westshore area near the airport for a short trip to the stadium, or in Ybor City for the nightlife.
The beaches (Clearwater, St. Pete) are a drive away if you want to turn it into a Gulf-coast trip.
Parking & When to Arrive
There are big lots around the stadium, and tailgating is a scene, so prepaid parking is smart. Rideshare drop-off works too.
Roof & Climate
Open air, no roof over the seating bowl.
Raymond James Stadium is open air, with no roof over the seating bowl and no weather protection over the seats. Check the forecast and dress for game-day conditions.
Where Visiting Fans Sit
It's a stadium with good sightlines and no obstructed views, and the pirate ship in the north end zone is a genuine only-here spectacle.
Lower levels are pricier while the upper deck is good value. Bucs crowds are relaxed and easy for visiting fans.
Food & What to Bring
The NFL's league-wide bag policy: one clear bag up to 12×6×12 (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small non-clear clutch up to 4.5×6.5.
From the NFL's stadium bag policy on NFL.com, checked September 2026. Stadiums can add their own rules, so check the team's site before you go.
Get a Tampa-style Cuban sandwich and Florida flavors alongside the stadium standards.
Check the bag policy, as the NFL clear-bag rule applies. It's open-air in the Florida sun, so bring sunscreen and water and plan for heat and humidity.
Comparing parks? We checked bag policies at all 30 MLB ballparks.
The Pregame Scene
The tailgate in the lots is the main pregame. Ybor City, Tampa's historic nightlife district, is a short drive away and lively.
Grab food and drinks in Ybor or downtown, then head to the stadium for the tailgate and kickoff.
Insider Tips
Tailgate early and watch for the pirate ship's cannons — a Raymond James signature. Plan for heat and hydrate.
Stay near the airport or in Ybor, plan to drive (limited transit), and pair the trip with Tampa's nightlife or the Gulf beaches.
Build your Raymond James Stadium trip
Choose each piece: flights into TPA, a hotel in downtown Tampa, Westshore, or Ybor City, Buccaneers tickets, and a rental car (transit is limited). Save it to My trips to keep your dates. Nothing books until you're ready.