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Upcoming events at Raymond James Stadium
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
Raymond James Stadium capacity and who plays here
Raymond James Stadium is the open-air home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the South Florida Bulls, and it seats 69,218, expandable to 75,000 for the largest events. It sits on North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, is owned by Hillsborough County and is operated by the Tampa Sports Authority. Locals call it "Ray Jay."
Its signature is Buccaneer Cove, a 103-foot, 43-ton pirate ship in the north end zone whose cannons fire after Bucs scores and when the team reaches the red zone.
- Buccaneers football: the NFL regular season runs September into early January.
- USF Bulls football: fall Saturdays, usually the easiest ticket in the building.
- Bowl games: the Gasparilla Bowl in mid-December and the ReliaQuest Bowl, which moved to December 31 starting with the 2024 season.
- Special events: three Super Bowls, the 2017 College Football Playoff title game, WrestleMania 37 and stadium concerts.
Raymond James Stadium seating chart: levels and sidelines
The seating bowl has three levels that wrap the field, which runs north to south:
- 100 level: the lower bowl, with about 30 rows in a typical section according to third-party seating guides.
- 200 level: the club level, a shorter middle tier with access to indoor club spaces.
- 300 level: the upper deck, which has no roof or overhang above it.
The Buccaneers' sideline is the west side, roughly sections 106–115 in the lower bowl. The visitors' sideline is the east side, with midfield at sections 135–136 in the lower bowl, 235–236 in the club level and 335–336 in the upper deck. These numbers come from two independent seating guides rather than a published stadium map, so confirm your section on the event map at checkout.
The pirate ship sits above the north end zone, with lower-level sections 146–151 beneath Buccaneer Cove. Those seats put you under the cannons, which is a novelty for a first visit and a poor angle for following play at the far end.
Best seats, and how to beat the Tampa sun
Heat is the defining factor at Raymond James Stadium. September and October afternoon games are hot and humid, the stadium has no roof, and umbrellas are not allowed inside.
- For shade: sit on the west side. The sun sets behind the Bucs' sideline, so west-side seats fall into shadow first, and the upper sections around 306–315 are reported to shade earliest.
- To avoid: east-side seats for early-season afternoon kickoffs, which face into the sun for most of the game.
- Best view for the price: the upper rows of the 100 level and the lower rows of the 300 level between the 20-yard lines. The upper deck is exposed, but the sightlines are clean.
- Best for comfort: the 200-level club seats, which give access to indoor club space between quarters.
- Night and late-season games: sun stops mattering, and the east side often becomes the better value because demand is lower.
At bowl games, each team's fans usually cluster behind their own bench, so buy on the side of the team you support. For concerts, the stage location and floor layout change by tour; check the event map. Every GoodSeats order is backed by a 100% guarantee.
Parking at Raymond James Stadium and rideshare
The Tampa Sports Authority lists roughly 10,000 on-site parking spaces and about 15,000 more off-site. As of the 2026 season, Buccaneers lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff, and day-of parking is credit card only, with no cash accepted.
- Prepaid parking: available in advance for Buccaneers, Bulls and bowl games. It is the safer choice for big games, when nearby lots fill early.
- Accessible parking: designated spaces are in Lots A and C.
- Re-entry: parking passes are not valid for re-entry into the lots, so bring everything you need for the day.
- Rideshare drop-off: the Mass Transit turnaround on the northwest side, next to the pedestrian bridge.
- Rideshare pickup: the Steinbrenner Field lot for most major events, though it can change by event.
Tailgating is allowed in the lots, within one 10-by-24-foot space behind your vehicle, without loud amplified sound, and it must stop at kickoff. Current lot details are on the Buccaneers parking page.
The Raymond James Stadium bag policy: clutch only (2026)
This is the rule that catches visitors. As of the 2026 season, Raymond James Stadium enforces a no-bag policy at all events, which is stricter than the NFL's standard clear-bag policy. Each guest may carry one small clutch no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches, and it does not have to be clear. A clear stadium bag larger than that is refused even if it would be allowed at other NFL stadiums.
- Lockers: available for rent on Tom McEwen Boulevard, south of the Suzuki Marine Gate. Staff cannot hold items at the gate.
- Also prohibited: umbrellas, seat cushions, strollers, coolers, outside food and drink, aerosol sunscreen, cameras with detachable lenses and noisemakers.
- Gates: the Ford Gate, Gate B, the Suzuki Marine Gate and the Fifth Third Bank Gate, with separate entrances for club and suite holders.
- Payments: concessions, retail and parking are cashless, with reverse ATMs that load cash onto prepaid cards.
- Re-entry: not permitted except in a medical emergency.
- Smoking: prohibited inside, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
Bring lotion sunscreen and a hat instead of an umbrella. Review the stadium's current policies before you go.
Food, suites and weather plans
The stadium has 195 suites and club areas on the 200 level. Concessions are cashless. In severe weather, officials suspend play and stadium staff direct fans to the covered concourses behind the stands, the ramps and the club areas, which is worth knowing during Florida's late-summer storm season. Accessible seating is offered at every price point.
Raymond James Stadium history
Ground was broken on October 15, 1996, and the stadium opened on September 20, 1998 as the replacement for Tampa Stadium. Raymond James Financial has held the naming rights since the opening, under an agreement that now runs through 2028.
- Super Bowls: XXXV in 2001, XLIII in 2009 and LV in 2021, when the Buccaneers became the first team to play and win a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
- Attendance record: 74,512 at the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
- Soccer: the Tampa Bay Mutiny of MLS played here from 1999 to 2001.
- The pink seats: about 50,000 of the original red seats faded to pink because a UV inhibitor was left out of the plastic, and all of them were replaced in 2006.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of Raymond James Stadium?
Raymond James Stadium seats 69,218 and can expand to 75,000 for major events. The attendance record is 74,512, set at the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
What bags are allowed at Raymond James Stadium?
As of the 2026 season, only one small clutch no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches is allowed, and it does not need to be clear. Larger clear bags are refused, so check the current policy before you go.
Which side of Raymond James Stadium is in the shade?
The west side, home of the Buccaneers' sideline, falls into shade first because the sun sets behind it. East-side seats face the sun during afternoon games.
How does parking work at Raymond James Stadium?
Lots open 3.5 hours before Buccaneers kickoffs, and day-of parking is credit card only. Prepaid passes are sold in advance for Buccaneers, Bulls and bowl games.
Where is the pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium?
The 103-foot pirate ship sits in Buccaneer Cove above the north end zone. Its cannons fire after Buccaneers scores and when the team reaches the red zone.
Where do rideshare drivers drop off and pick up?
Drop-off is at the Mass Transit turnaround on the northwest side near the pedestrian bridge. Pickup for most major events is in the Steinbrenner Field lot, though it can vary by event.