Buccaneers game in Tampa

[greenclan67]

Has anybody done this? My hubby is a huge Packers fan and they are playing there Dec 21st. We arrive in Orlando Dec 20th. I would like to take transportation instead of our rental car so he can have the "FULL" experience. He has never been to a game before. This will be my Xmas present for him. Although I am not a football fan, taking one for the team per say. Anyhow, any advice for tickets, shuttles, anything really. Thanks so much.

 

[stefanospops]

I have been to Dunedin for spring training baseball, but not for a football game. The drive is quite easy, but I understand the desire to avoid the drive.

I googled "dec 21 bus orlando to tampa" and got this site: http://packers.buccaneers.bowlbus.com/Trip/From/Orlando

With respect to tickets you can try stubhub.com. You can get tickets from there for under $100/ticket but they will be upper level and likely more than face value. Good luck!

One more option could be to get a room for the night in Tampa and stay after the game. We stayed in St. Petersburgh when we went in August so the kids could see Winter The Dolphin in Clearwater. It was real nice in Clearwater, although not sure what it will be like in late December. Certainly the cost of transportation may be similar to grabbing a room for the night.

 

[dennise]

Stubhub is where we purchase our hockey tickets. You can see exactly the view that you will have from your seat. They will be more than face value. We are going to see Tampa Bay against the Boston Bruins in April, it is the last regular game of the season. Even if you are not a real fan, there is usually quite a bit to see.

 

[Bertie9396]

I bought Lightning vs. Leaf tickets for December 29. DD has never been to a NHL game before so she is really excited. DH and FIL don't know because it is their Chritmas present

 

[Melmac]

My DH and I have gone to a Buccaneers game for the last three years, when we've been in WDW! The Bucs are my team (sad to say) and I don't get a chance to see them often here. We'll be there on November 9th!

The stadium is only about an hour away so easy for one day. Every time we've gone, we've driven our car, so I can't comment on shuttles (I didn't even know that was an option, actually). Driving isn't too bad and the stadium is well-marked. It is crowded getting out after the game but that's normal. One year, we booked a hotel room in Tampa and walked to and from the stadium from the hotel. This is a great option if you can do it.

The stadium is in the middle of giant fields which they use as parking lots for game day. Parking is about $25 but that's what we'd pay in Detroit for a Lions game anyway. We try and get there for when the lots open (I think at 10am? Check the Buccaneers website). We walk around and look at the tailgaters all set up in the fields. There is usually stuff going on around outside the stadium before they let you in.

For tickets, we buy on Stub Hub, usually last minute. Last year, we paid $70/ticket for 50 yard line seats because the Buccaneers were so terrible They were the best seats I've ever had at any sporting event. Knock on wood, we have purchased lots of tickets from Stub Hub and have never had a problem.

Have fun! I love Raymond James Stadium! Hopefully you'll have nice weather, but at least it will be better than an outdoor game in Green Bay in December! Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[greenclan67]

Thanks Melmac, I appreciate your information. We bought tickets for a $135 each in the 200's. But we figured with the Packers playing we didn't do terrible. We could have waited and maybe got them cheaper but thought it was worth it for the experience.
We debated on doing the hotel in Tampa but my kids will be with family in Orlando so would feel guilty leaving them there on a weeks vacation. Feeling bad enough leaving them the first full day of a only weeks vacation.
Anyhow there is a bowl bus that goes to the game and back for $40 a piece. This way we can have a few drinks if we would like. Which he will likely do.
As far as tailgating, how does this work. Stupid question, but my hubby has never been we live in Northern Ontario. No football games to go to here. Thx

 

[Melmac]

Glad I could help out!

As for tailgating, usually that happens in the parking lot by your car. People in the US go all out - they bring tents, BBQs, full food spreads, etc. and party before the game. If you are taking the bus, you won't be able to tailgate in the traditional sense but I guess you'll be "tailgating" on the bus on the way down! Depending on where the bus drops you off, you could walk through the parking lots and see. It is quite an experience if you've never seen it!

 

[greenclan67]

This is what I thought. If we drive we can park and tailgate pay for parking and one stay as DD. If we take the bus we can't take part in the tailgate and the bus gets there 3 hours early. But you can bring your drinks and stuff on the bus.

 

[Melmac]

This is what I thought. If we drive we can park and tailgate pay for parking and one stay as DD. If we take the bus we can't take part in the tailgate and the bus gets there 3 hours early. But you can bring your drinks and stuff on the bus.

Yeah, I would say you are tailgaiting on the bus on the way down! You just won't be able to BBQ very well

Have a great time at the game!