Raymond James Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Tampa, Florida. This stadium opened in 1998 as a replacement for Tampa Stadium. Raymond James Stadium is home to the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls college football program and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who compete in the National Football League.
The maximum capacity of this stadium is 69,218 for most sporting events, but it can reach up to 75,000 seats for other events. It is also interesting to mention that Raymond James Stadium has a replica of a pirate ship located at the north end of the stands.
In addition to regular Bulls and Buccaneers sporting events, this stadium hosted three Super Bowls: XXXV in 2001, XLIII in 2009, and LV in 2021. Raymond James Stadium also hosts other sporting events and events such as equestrian sports competitions, soccer matches, monster truck shows, and large music concerts.
- Raymond James Stadium: Key Facts
- Where Is Raymond James Stadium Located?
- The Best Way to Get to Raymond James Stadium
- Parking Near Raymond James Stadium
- The Best Restaurants Near Raymond James Stadium
- The Best Bars near Raymond James Stadium
- The Best Hotels Near Raymond James Stadium
- The History of Raymond James Stadium
- Where to Get Tickets for Raymond James Stadium
- Does Raymond James Stadium Offer Tours?
- Conclusion
Raymond James Stadium: Key Facts
| Address | Raymond James Stadium |
| Capacity | 75,000 |
| Team | Tampa Bay BuccaneersUniversity of South Florida Bulls |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM Friday: 9 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday-Sunday: Closed |
| Contact | Stadium main line: (813) 350-6500 Stadium guest services: (813) 350-6508 Stadium ticket office: (813) 350-6502 Luxury suite sales: (813) 998-3877 Stadium tours: (813) 350-6553 Team store: (813) 350-6311 |
| Website | https://raymondjamesstadium.com |
Where Is Raymond James Stadium Located?
Raymond James Stadium is a football arena located in Tampa, Florida, United States. This stadium is owned by Hillsborough County and has a capacity of 75,000 seats. Furthermore, the address of Raymond James Stadium is 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway.
The Best Way to Get to Raymond James Stadium
There are several ways to get to Raymond James Stadium. In addition to using a private vehicle, you can use public transport or get there on foot. For that purpose, here are some valuable tips and guidelines for the easiest way to get to the stadium.
Driving with a vehicle
Car travel is perhaps the most common way to get to Raymond James Stadium. However, before heading to the stadium, check the condition of the roads and find the easiest way to get there. Additionally, remember that it’s not easy to find parking on the day of the match, so it is best to reserve a parking spot ahead of time.
There are several options to get to Raymond James Stadium depending on your location.
North
To access from the north, take I-75 to I-275 and head to Himes Avenue North or Dale Mabry Highway North. The stadium is about a mile north, between Dale Mabry and Himes.
South
To get there from the south, take I-75 to I-4 west to I-275 south to Himes Avenue North or North Dale Mabry. Or you can access from I-75 north to I-275 north to North Dale Mabry. The stadium is located approximately one mile north, between Himes and Dale Mabry.
East
Take I-4 west to I-275 south to North Dale Mabry or Himes Avenue North. Or you can go via I-4 West to Hillsborough Avenue West or Dr. M.L. King Jr. Boulevard West. The stadium is about a mile north, between Himes and Dale Mabry.
West
Take I-275 to North Dale Mabry or Highway 60 East, then Spruce Street East until North Dale Mabry. The stadium is about a mile north, between Himes and Dale Mabry.
Ridesharing and public transportation
Ridesharing, like Lyft or Uber, is another quick way to get to Raymond James Stadium. If you choose this option, remember that the drop-off area is at the Mass Transit drop-off. This area is located on the north side of the stadium.
In addition, to ridesharing, you can also use a bus to get to the stadium. If you decide on this option, you should get on the transit lines near Raymond James Stadium, which are 32, 36, 45, and 7.
Parking Near Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium offers multiple parking options if you plan to go to an event. Namely, you can park in the official parking lots managed by the stadium. In addition, there are several private parking lots and garages located near Raymond James Stadium.
Parking at the Raymond James Stadium
Parking in the stadium operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is best to book your parking ticket in time. If you plan to come by car or motorcycle, you will pay $40. Available parking spaces for cars and motorcycles are HCC, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 lots.
Furthermore, campers, limousines, and buses can be parked in Lot 8, and the parking ticket is $140. Lots A and C are available parking spaces for people with disabilities. These parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking lots in the stadium open at 8 AM on the day of a match.
Parking lots near Raymond James Stadium
Besides the official parking lot at Raymond James Stadium, there are other options for parking. Namely, if you can’t find a free parking space in the stadium, there are several private parking spaces that are close to Raymond James Stadium. Here are some of the parking spaces near the stadium.
- Roche Parking Services
- Mike’s Lot
- George M. Steinbrenner Field Parking
- 4010 W Boy Scout Blvd
- 717 Parking
The Best Restaurants Near Raymond James Stadium
Tampa’s cuisine is known for its diversity and the influence of different cultures. Therefore, here you can find different traditional or modern cuisine or a combination of both. For this purpose, we have selected some of the restaurants famous for their cuisine and ambiance, all located near Raymond James Stadium.
Miller’s Ale House
Miller’s Ale House is a sports bar and restaurant near Raymond James Stadium. Here you can enjoy food and drinks with your friends while watching sports. The stadium is located 0.8 miles from the restaurant.
Additional information
| Location | Miller’s Ale House |
| Price | $$ |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 2 AM Sunday: 11 AM – 1 AM |
| Distance from Raymond James Stadium | 0.8 mile |
La Teresita Restaurant
If you like Cuban cuisine, check out La Teresita Restaurant. This place offers a pleasant atmosphere where you can taste Cuban, Caribbean, Latin, and Spanish food. In addition, from Thursday to Saturday, this place also offers live music, which only complements the ambiance.
Additional information
| Location | La Teresita Restaurant |
| Price | $ |
| Working hours | Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM |
| Distance from Raymond James Stadium | 0.9 mile |
Happy Fish
Happy Fish is a restaurant near the stadium if you want Peruvian food. The cozy atmosphere combined with the seafood and Latin cuisine is excellent after a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. The most popular dishes among customers are Lomo Saltado, Ceviche Mixto, and Pescado a Lo Macho.
Additional information
| Location | Happy Fish |
| Price | $ |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PM Friday-Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Distance from Raymond James Stadium | 1.1 mile |
The Best Bars near Raymond James Stadium
Ready for some chicken wings and beer after the game? You’re in luck because Tampa has some of the best bars in the country.
You can opt for a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy yourself with your friends. Or you can choose bars where they will make sure you keep your winning spirit after the game. Therefore, these are the best bars near Raymond James Stadium that we hope you’ll enjoy.
The WingHouse of Tampa Stadium
If you’re feeling post-game excitement, gather your friends and head over to The WingHouse of Tampa Stadium. Here you can spend quality time and taste the best chicken wings in town. In addition, you can also visit The WingHouse in the evening when there are more organized events.
Additional information
| Location | The WingHouse of Tampa Stadium |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM |
| Reservation | +1 813-575-8734 |
Brick House Tavern + Tap
Enjoy a relaxed and sporty atmosphere at Brick House Tavern + Tap. This bar offers various craft, local, and imported beers. When you combine their drinks with their food, you get a real treat.
Duck wings, Southern fried chicken sandwiches, buffalo chicken meatballs, lamb burgers, chicken and waffles, house-baked soft pretzels, and chicken tenders are the most popular dishes among customers.
Additional information
| Location | Brick House Tavern + Tap |
| Price | $$ |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM |
| Reservation | +1 813-350-9108 |
Kona Grill – Tampa
If you’re looking for the best sushi in town, your search ends here. Kona Grill – Tampa is a sushi bar known for its award-winning sushi and contemporary American cuisine. Additionally, you can try a variety of seafood and uniquely prepared steak. You can complement all this with a delicious cocktail.
If you need help deciding on the food choice, we’ll help you. Avocado egg rolls, macadamia nut chicken, BBQ chicken flatbread, chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps, pad thai noodles, and crab crunch rolls are customer favorites at Kona Grill – Tampa.
Additional information
| Location | Kona Grill – Tampa |
| Price | $$ |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM |
| Reservation | +1 813-877-5938 |
The Best Hotels Near Raymond James Stadium
There are several hotels located near Raymond James Stadium. In addition, there are many sights to visit and activities to do nearby. Some hotels are more than half an hour’s walk from the stadium. If you don’t want to walk, you can use Uber or Lyft, and you will reach Raymond James Stadium in minutes.
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
Located in the Westshore Business District, Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore is a great place to get to know Tampa up close. In addition, Raymond James Stadium is located 1.3 miles from the hotel.
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore offers spotlessly clean rooms with 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and HBO television channels. You can visit the fitness center if you want to keep in shape. In addition, you can relax in the outdoor pool or the tennis center within the hotel complex. If you want to eat, head to Bay Breeze restaurant, where you can try their delicious steak, seafood, and pasta for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Additional information
| Location | Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore |
| Price | $$ |
| Booking | +1 813-877-6688 |
Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport
If you want a pleasant stay in Tampa, check out the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport. This hotel offers you rooms with a top design and ergonomic work surfaces and chairs. In addition, you can use free Wi-Fi, which is available in every room.
If you want to swim, you can do so in the outdoor pool, and to stay in shape, visit the fitness center. In addition, you can have breakfast in The Bistro, and if you want to shop, the on-site market is available 24 hours. Raymond James Stadium is 1.7 miles from the hotel.
Additional information
| Location | Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport |
| Price | $$ |
| Booking | +1 813-874-0555 |
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Whether you’ve come to Tampa to watch a sports game or explore the city, the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel is the perfect solution. This modern hotel with superb room design will make you feel at home. The rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and spotlessly clean linens. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city from here.
If you want to relax, you can go to the outdoor pool. Additionally, Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel has a fitness center and complimentary airport transportation. If you get hungry, grab a bite at the restaurant Gabriella’s Bistro in the hotel.
Additional information
| Location | Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel |
| Price | $$ |
| Booking | +1 813-877-9200 |
The History of Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium was built to replace the old Tampa Stadium, which was financially unsustainable. Namely, its construction started in 1996, and the construction cost was $168 million. Construction was completed in 1998, and the first game was held on September 20, 1998, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Chicago Bears.
The stadium underwent several phases of renovation to get its unique and modern look. Namely, in 2016, a state-of-the-art HD video system with 9,600 square-foot boards was installed at the north and south ends of the stadium. In addition, four 2,300-square-foot HD tower walls were added.
In 2017, renovations included the Hyundai West Club, which was expanded and modernized with video monitors and walls. The final stage of the renovation was done in 2018 with the East Club. During this period, bar 76 was opened, 134 luxury apartments were renovated, and the House of Fame was developed.
The most famous attraction of the stadium is Buccaneer Cove, a pirate ship located at the north end of the stadium. The ship is used to fire cannons and fireworks during the games.
Where to Get Tickets for Raymond James Stadium
There are several ways to get tickets to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium. One option is to visit the stadium’s official website and purchase tickets online.
In addition to the official site of Raymond James Stadium, you can get game tickets through ticket brokers such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster.
Note that paper tickets for events are no longer used. Therefore, online ordering is the only and safest way to get a ticket.
If you need help buying tickets online, call the Ticket Office during regular business hours. The Ticket Office is located on the South Plaza between Gates D and C of Raymond James Stadium and works only on event days.
Does Raymond James Stadium Offer Tours?
Raymond James Stadium offers two types of tours, day and private. These tours last approximately 75 minutes and include visiting the pirate ship, Stadium Club, luxury suites, team locker room, the field, and more.
The price of the tour is $12.42 for people over 12 years old, $9.31 for seniors and military veterans, $8.28 for children aged 5-11, and free admission for children aged four and under. If you are interested in more details, visit the Stadium Tours section on the official website of Raymond James Stadium.
Conclusion
We are happy if this article helped you learn more about the Raymond James Stadium and find all the necessary information about the attractions, dining, and accommodations nearby. There are numerous good bars, restaurants, and hotels where you can spend your free time before or after watching a game in the Stadium.
Don’t forget to share your experience with your friends!
