Fans Guide to Raymond James Stadium for the Super Bowl

There are very few venues for sports in North America as incredible or as fanciful as Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Considering the home team Buccaneers had never experienced anything other than crushing defeat before breaking ground on this new stadium, it is amazing the thing got built in the first place. Now, as a regular part of the Super Bowl rotation, Raymond James Stadium has established itself as a world class venue for sports of all stripes, including football, soccer, college sports and more.

With a seating capacity expandable to over 75,000 for special events like the Super Bowl, Raymond James Stadium is one of the largest pro football venues in the country, so it makes sense that the Super Bowl would book this place on a regular basis. Easily, the biggest distinguishing feature of Raymond James is the giant pirate ship, complete with firing cannons, in the end zone. Every time the home team Bucs venture into the red zone, the cannons fire, and again when the home team scores. It is unknown if the cannons will be in use during the Super Bowl. Arizona is listed as the "home" team, but chances are the cannons will be used for both squads. The 103 foot long pirate ship also has many flagpoles that are used throughout the game to signal a change in momentum for the home team. You are able to watch the game from the ship, and you can bet those coveted spots are going for a mint in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

If you can't get decent seats to the game (which would be a challenge since there are very few obstructed view seats here), you can watch the game on one of two 92-foot screens in the stadium itself, which should ensure that you don't miss a snap. The resolution on these screens is incredible, so no matter if you are at the concession stand or just coming out of the bathrooms, you won't miss a thing.

If the game ends up in a blowout, which is likely considering the history of the big game, you can venture over to Buccaneer Cove, a "fishing village" in one of the stadium corners that houses shopping, concessions and games for the kids. Really, this stadium is like a functioning city with football only being a minor part of things and this is especially true when the Super Bowl is in town.

As for game day parking, kickoff is scheduled for 6pm local time, but as we all know, festivities in and around Raymond James are sure to start at sunrise. There is absolutely no tailgating in any designated NFL parking lots for the Super Bowl. The idea is that there is simply too much going on, too many people and too much chaos to get emergency vehicles into parking lots should something go wrong. If you are taking a bus or a limo to the game, make sure your driver gives you explicit instructions on how to get back to your vehicle after the game since there are sure to be hundreds, if not thousands of vehicles that look exactly the same as the one you came in on.

Nothing larger than a 12X12 bag will be allowed into the Super Bowl, so leave backpacks and other bags at home or in your hotel room. A purse or fanny pack is all you will be able to get in. No containers, video cameras, food, drinks, laptops, seat cushions or umbrellas will be allowed in.

You will need a parking pass to park in or around the stadium. You will have to purchase a parking pass from the NFL. Call 1-866-330-PARK for more information.

There will be designated drop off points around the stadium, but make sure you check the road closures around the stadium before you head out.

For more information on Super Bowl Week in Tampa, check out our Super Bowl XLIII Schedule of Events.

---