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Raymond James Stadium Guide

NFL · Tampa · 65,890 capacity

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Last updated: 5/16/2026

Plan on driving or using a rideshare to this car-dependent stadium and stay in the Westshore neighborhood for easy access. The stadium's no-bag policy is absolute—even clear bags are banned—so bring only a 4.5” by 6.5” clutch or use the on-site rental lockers. The rideshare zone is also a walk, located across a bridge from the stadium at Steinbrenner Field.

At a glance

Bag policy
Small bags only
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry exceptions apply
Gates open
Gates open 1.5h before
Outside food
Sealed water only
Getting here
HART bus service available; limited direct rail service.
Family friendly
Nursing suites available; family restrooms located throughout the concourses.
Capacity
65,890
Home team:Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Where to stay for Raymond James Stadium

Westshore District

Westshore

Westshore is a lively commercial district ideal for those seeking convenience, with numerous hotels, shopping centers like International Plaza and WestShore Plaza, and dining options. It is also very close to Tampa International Airport.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Bus Service offers routes (specifically Route 7 and Route 32) that directly service the Raymond James Stadium area. Many hotels in the area may also offer shuttle services to the stadium. Rideshare services are readily available.

Hyde Park

An upscale, historic, and highly walkable neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, elegant architecture, upscale boutiques, and diverse dining scene along South Howard Avenue (SoHo). It also features the scenic Bayshore Boulevard, the world's longest continuous sidewalk.

Hyde Park is convenient to Downtown Tampa, which offers access to the TECO Line Streetcar. For Raymond James Stadium, rideshare services or HART bus connections from downtown would be necessary.

Midtown Tampa

Midtown Tampa is a vibrant and relatively new district offering a central location with a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment spaces. It's considered a trendy area with modern amenities and provides a convenient base for exploring the city.

While specific public transit lines directly to venues are not highlighted as a primary feature, Midtown Tampa's central location makes it a short drive to major attractions. Rideshare services would be the most efficient way to reach sports venues.

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Parking, transit, and arrival strategy

Transit and approach

HART bus service available; limited direct rail service. Major event shuttles often provided for large games.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: For major stadium events, rideshare pickup is at the Steinbrenner Field parking lot across Dale Mabry Highway. Drop-off is at the mass transit turnaround on the northwest side of the stadium, next to the pedestrian bridge. Location may vary for smaller events.

Parking: Parking lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff. Pre-paid parking is available via ParkWhiz (the official Raymond James Stadium pre-pay vendor); the official Bucs App is used to access an already-purchased parking pass alongside your game tickets, not as the primary purchase platform. All lots are cashless (credit-card only for day-of parking).

After the event

SoHo (South Howard Avenue) district

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Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located in the West Tampa area, adjacent to Dale Mabry Highway.
  • Tailgating: Permitted in stadium parking lots; open flames must be extinguished before entering the stadium.
  • Signature food: Tampa-style Cuban sandwiches and local craft beer selections.
  • Fan tradition: Firing of the Pirate Ship cannons following touchdowns.
  • Pregame institution: International Plaza and Bay Street (2223 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Walter's Press Box Sports Emporium
    222 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 · South Tampa

    A South Tampa staple for over 40 years, it's known as Tampa's original sports emporium. It boasts 42 screens (including a new matrix wall) for nonstop sports action and is a place where local legends and sports personalities gather. Their kitchen is open until 2:30 AM nightly.

    What to order: Wings (hot, crispy, sauced just the way you like), burgers, and other pub grub favorites.

  • The Blind Goat Food and Drink
    4106 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629 · South Tampa

    Considered the 'GOAT' of sports bars in Tampa Bay, it's a favorite for happy hour, wings, and catching the game. Features 40 TVs for an optimal viewing experience and offers arcade games for extra entertainment.

    What to order: Wings, buffalo chicken dip, mac and cheese, pretzel bites, Cuban sandwiches, pizza.

  • Top Shelf Sports Lounge
    401 East Jackson Street Suite 101, Tampa, FL 33602 · Downtown Tampa

    An upscale sports bar and restaurant in Downtown Tampa, voted #1 Sports Bar and Best Wings in Tampa. Offers fresh food made from scratch, daily specials, trivia night, and live music, making it perfect for fans and foodies.

    What to order: Award-winning wings, fresh food made from scratch.

  • Miller's Ale House
    2500 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 · Westshore

    A kid-friendly chain with walls almost literally covered in TVs, making it an ideal spot to catch multiple games at once. It's suitable for families and large groups looking for a casual game-day experience.

    What to order: Chicken Zingers, pork osso buco.