Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Travel Guide: Raymond James Stadium

How to Get There

• Flying In: You will fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA). Consistently ranked as one of the best and most efficient airports in the country, it sits a shockingly close two miles directly west of Raymond James Stadium.  

• Airport Transit: Because the airport is right next to the stadium footprint in the Westshore Business District, your commute is incredibly easy. A quick 10-minute rideshare will get you to almost any nearby hotel, and many hotels in this corridor offer free airport shuttle services.

Where to Stay

Because the stadium sits right in the Westshore district rather than deep downtown, staying near the airport actually puts you perfectly in the mix for the game while keeping you right next to upscale shopping and dining.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore: Located less than two miles from the stadium, this is an excellent, highly reliable option that includes a free hot breakfast. As a Category 2 property, it offers incredible value and can typically be booked for 8,000 to 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

• Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport: Situated just 1.1 miles from the stadium, this extended-stay property features full kitchenettes and is easily walkable to the gates on game day. Redemptions here usually range from 25,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel: This is arguably the best-positioned hotel for a Bucs weekend. It sits physically attached to the upscale International Plaza Mall & Bay Street, giving you immediate walking access to fantastic restaurants and nightlife, all while being a short walk or quick drive to the stadium. Expect to use 30,000 to 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay: For a true Florida resort experience, this stunning property sits on a 35-acre nature preserve right on the water. It features the famous Oystercatchers restaurant and a bayside pool, and it's only about a 10-minute drive to the stadium. As a Category 4 property, it can be booked for 12,000 to 18,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Nearby Activities

• Ybor City: Take a short rideshare east of downtown to explore this historic, vibrant neighborhood. Known for its deep Cuban roots, historic cigar factories, and rowdy nightlife, it is an essential Tampa experience.

• International Plaza and Bay Street: Located right by the stadium, this massive outdoor/indoor shopping district features dozens of high-end retailers and operates as a massive dining and bar hub for fans throughout the weekend.  

Pregame Food and Drink

• The Parking Lot Tailgates: Tailgating is a massive tradition in Tampa Bay. The expansive grass and paved lots surrounding Raymond James Stadium open 3.5 hours before kickoff. You will find incredible spreads of Cuban sandwiches, fresh seafood, and an incredibly welcoming, party-focused atmosphere.  

• Bucs Beach: If you don't have a tailgate setup, head straight to the stadium's south plaza. This massive, official pregame zone features white sand, giant Adirondack chairs, live local bands, performances by the Buccaneers Cheerleaders, and plenty of cold drinks.

• Bay Street Bars: Before heading to the lots, many fans grab a drink at the bars located in Bay Street at the International Plaza, such as Bar Louie or Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar, which are always packed with jerseys.

Getting to the Event

• Walking: If you book a hotel in the immediate Westshore corridor (like the Renaissance or Residence Inn), walking is a fantastic, traffic-free option. The neighborhood is highly commercial and features wide sidewalks leading straight to the stadium.  

• Rideshare: There is a highly organized, dedicated Uber and Lyft drop-off/pick-up zone located at the Mass Transit Drop-off off of Dale Mabry Highway.

• Driving: If you choose to drive, you must pre-purchase a parking pass via the official Buccaneers app. The stadium uses a massive network of color-coded lots, and cash is not accepted at the gates.

Where to Sit at Raymond James Stadium

Tampa weather is no joke. If you are attending an early-season game in September or October, the extreme heat and humidity dictate exactly where you should buy tickets.

• Beat the Sun (The West Sideline): To avoid melting in the brutal Florida sun, you must sit on the Buccaneers' home sideline (Sections 107-114 and 207-214). The stadium is completely open-air, and the sun sets behind the West side, casting it in cooling shade for almost the entire second half of an afternoon game.

• Warning: The East Sideline: The visitor's sideline (Sections 132-139) offers absolutely zero shade protection. The afternoon sun will beat down directly into the faces of these fans until the sun completely sets. If you sit here, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are mandatory!

• The Pirate Ship View: Raymond James Stadium is world-famous for Buccaneer Cove, which houses a massive, 103-foot replica pirate ship in the North End Zone that fires its cannons every time the Bucs score. If you want the best view of the ship firing, sit in the South End Zone (Sections 118-123) so you can look straight across the field at it.  

• The Premium Club Experience: The East and West Stadium Clubs (200-level) offer excellent elevated sightlines, extra-wide padded seats, and access to massive, climate-controlled indoor concourses with premium food and high-end bars—a total lifesaver for escaping the humidity.  

• The Budget Seats: The 300-level (upper deck) offers the cheapest tickets. You get sweeping views of the stadium and the surrounding city, but be aware that there is no weather protection up high.