Can't miss
- Cannons from the pirate ship The ship in the north end zone fires its cannons after every Bucs score. The first one makes everybody jump.
- A Tampa Cuban in Ybor City The Tampa Cuban adds Genoa salami, a nod to the Italian families who rolled cigars in Ybor City. Eat one there the night before.
Quick answers
What time do the Raymond James Stadium lots open?
3.5 hours before kickoff. Tailgating has to stop at kickoff, and your parking pass isn't good for re-entry, so plan to stay put.
Can you grill at Raymond James Stadium?
Yes. Grills stay in your own space, behind your vehicle, and out of other spots, walkways and drive lanes. The stadium doesn't post a fuel rule.
Can you drink at Bucs tailgates?
Yes, within limits. Kegs, large vessels and large amounts of alcohol are banned in the lots. No alcohol goes into or out of the stadium.
Do you need a ticket to tailgate?
Every car needs a parking pass or the day's parking fee. Bucs Beach, the team's pregame party in the South Plaza, is free and needs no game ticket.
How do you buy parking?
Ahead of time if you can. Single-game passes are sold for Lots 9, 11, HCC and HCC VIP, based on availability, and passes live in the Bucs app. Day-of parking is credit card only.
Where to park
Buy before you go if you can. Every lot is cashless, and your pass is good for one entry.
- Single game
- Lots 9, 11, HCC and HCC VIP, based on availability. Passes live in the Bucs app.
- Season
- General season lots: 1, 2, 3D, 6D, 8, 9, 13, 14 VIP, HCC, HCC VIP, RV and GEICO.
- Day of
- Credit card only. No cash in any lot.
- RV / bus
- Campers over 24 feet and buses park in Lot 14 for Bucs games.
- Accessible
- Lots A and C, based on availability.
- Rideshare
- Drop-off and pickup only at Steinbrenner Field, across Dale Mabry Hwy by the pedestrian bridge.
Pull in and stay in. Parking passes aren't good for re-entry.
The Bucs post entry directions for each lot. Look up yours before you leave.
No car? Uber and Lyft use Steinbrenner Field only, and you can't request a ride from the stadium. From the game, exit through Lot A and cross the Dale Mabry pedestrian bridge.
The rules
Rules last verified Oct 14, 2026 against buccaneers.com and raymondjamesstadium.com.
Tampa's rules fit in one parking space, literally. The kickoff cutoff is the one that bites.
- Grills
- Allowed in your own space, behind your vehicle. Never in neighboring spaces, walkways, aisles or drive lanes.
- Alcohol
- Kegs, large vessels and large amounts of alcohol are banned in the lots. Inside: 2 per person per purchase, ID required.
- Tents
- 10 x 10 feet max without prior approval, and no joining tents to make a bigger one.
- Your space
- One 10 x 24-foot space, set up directly behind your own vehicle. No saving spaces.
- Not allowed
- Throwing or kicking balls, loud speakers (keep it within 50 feet of your car), running or jogging, drones, overnight parking.
- When it ends
- Tailgating stops at kickoff. Parking passes aren't good for re-entry.
- Bags at the gate
- No bags except one clutch up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches, clear or not. Bigger clear bags are turned away.
- Gates open
- Main gates 1.5 hours before kickoff, Stadium Club gates 2.5 hours. Cannon fire at the end of the Bucsparilla Invasion signals the open.
Before you go
Bucs parking, transportation and directionsBucs gameday policiesRaymond James Stadium policiesBucs gameday fan activities2026 parking mapOfficial pages. Rules change; check them the week of the game.
Pack for Tampa
What we'd bring.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3x5 Flag
$21.79
Ships free
Your team's 3x5 flag with metal grommets. Hang it and your crew finds your spot in the lot.
-
Sampler, 8 Rubs
$47.99
Ships free
Eight rubs in one box, so the grill gets a new one every Saturday. It's the seasoning we use.
More for this lot
-
Revo Dubler Party Cooler$169.89 · Ships free
-
Monument G22 Tabletop Gas Grill, 2 Burners$199 · Ships free
Where the party is
Parking lots wrap Raymond James on every side, and the clock is short. The team's own pregame, Bucs Beach, sets up in the South Plaza with sand, palm trees and tiki bars.
The official party
Bucs Beach
Free, open to the public, no game ticket needed. It opens 3.5 hours before kickoff in the South Plaza and closes as the first quarter starts.
The big rigs
Lot 14
Where campers over 24 feet and buses park for Bucs games, east of Himes Ave.
The walk-up lots
Lots 9, 11 and HCC
The single-game lots, south and west of the stadium.
What to eat
Cook thisWhat to cook at a tailgate (that survives the lot)Getting out
Every lot has its own exit route, and police run the traffic plan. Your options, best first:
- Rideshare from Steinbrenner Field. Exit through Lot A, cross the Dale Mabry pedestrian bridge and follow the signs. It's the only rideshare zone.
- Know your lot's exit. HCC exits onto Tampa Bay Blvd, Lot 13 onto Columbus Dr, Lot 14 onto Himes or MLK. Check yours before kickoff.
- Follow the boards. Police and message boards direct traffic after the game, and the plan can change.
Skip this
Pull out at the final whistle. On a sellout, the lots take a while to clear. Pack up slow and let the first wave go.
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Your Raymond James Stadium game-day sheet, by email
One page for the lot: where to park, when it opens, what you can bring.
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