![]() ![]() ![]() Several well-attended NFL exhibition games were held at Phillips Field near downtown, but the venue was too small to support a professional football franchise. Al Lopez Field was the first phase of the project, opening in 1955.īy the early 1960s, Tampa's civic leaders were interested in attracting a National Football League team to the area. In 1949, the city of Tampa bought a 720-acre grassy parcel between the airport and West Tampa from the federal government with the idea of eventually building a community sports complex. The land on which Tampa Stadium was situated had been the perimeter of Drew Field, a World War II-era airfield which was the precursor to Tampa International Airport. It also hosted many large concerts, and for a time, it held the record for the largest audience to ever see a single artist when a crowd of almost 57,000 witnessed a Led Zeppelin show in the facility in 1973. It also hosted two Super Bowls, in 19.īesides the Buccaneerss, Tampa Stadium was home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the original North American Soccer League, the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League, the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer, and the college football programs of the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida. ![]() The facility is most closely associated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League, who played there from their establishment in 1976 until 1997. It opened in 1967, was significantly expanded in 1974–75, and was demolished in 1999. Tampa Stadium (nicknamed The Big Sombrero and briefly known as Houlihan's Stadium) was a large open-air stadium (maximum capacity about 74,000) located in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Stadium "The Big Sombrero" Houlihan's Stadium JULY 9, 1975: STADIUM EXPANSION BEGINS – Ground is broken for the expansion of Tampa Stadium, financed by the sale of $13 million in bonds by the Tampa Sports Authority. Three days later, the Tampa City Council votes 6-1 to approve the lease and expansion to 72,000 seats. The 46,700-seat stadium costs $4.1 million to build.ĪUGUST 10, 1968: FIRST GAME IN TAMPA STADIUM – Washington defeats Atlanta 16-14 in a pre-season match before a crowd of 42,000 in first NFL action at new stadium.ĪPRIL 21, 1975: STADIUM LEASE APPROVED – The Tampa Sports Authority unanimously approves a 30-year lease agreement with the Buccaneers for use of Tampa Stadium. NOVEMBER 4, 1967: TAMPA STADIUM DEDICATED – Tennessee defeats the University of Tampa, 38-0 in the first contest played in the facility. If you guessed Raymond James Stadium you are correct, however, prior its $168.5 million makeover, the stadium had a very humble begining There is only one stadium in the country where you will find a $3 Million, 103 foot replica pirate ship located beyond the north endzone in a 19th century Pirate village, better known as "Buccaneer Cove". Krewe of the Knights of Sant'Yago Night Parade.Gasparilla Invasion, Parade & Pirate Fest.Spotlight: Professional Tailgate Packages. ![]()
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