TAMPA BAY (WFLA) — Following an executive order issued by Ron DeSantis Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced a plan to begin reopening their stadium to fans, starting the next home game.
The Bucs say season ticket holders with continuous membership since 1998 or earlier will have the first crack at a limited number of tickets for next week’s home game, which goes on sale Thursday.
After the initial ‘soft opening’ versus the Chargers, seating at Raymond James Stadium will be increased to 25% capacity versus the Packers on Oct. 18. All season ticket members who elected to renew for 2021 will have the first opportunity at those tickets.
“The team’s decision to open to fans in a reduced capacity was made possible following the executive order signed by Governor Ron DeSantis which moved Florida into the last phase of the state’s reopening plan,” the team said.
News Channel 8’s Justin Schecker broke this news to two-time Pro Football Hall of Fame super Bucs fan inductee Keith Kunzig.
“Got to love Channel 8 breaking the news,” he said. “I literally didn’t know anything about it. We just came back from the flea market and to know I can go back home one week early, I mean I’m all for it. Let’s get back into Ray Jay and let’s rock the house.”
Kunzig, aka “Big Nasty,” said he watched last Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers from the comfort of his pool.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he said, “I wasn’t sweating like a dog, but to see that place empty it didn’t look right.”
Eager to paint his face and get into character on gameday, Kunzig said he hopes to add a photo with Tom Brady to his Bucs shrine.
“I watched Tom in person, but being our opponent, right, wanting us to put him on his back and now I’m just like keep him straight up and let’s throw some ropes and let’s get some touchdowns,” Kunzig said.
Governor Desantis on Friday said the addition of Brady and Tampa Bay hosting the Super Bowl in February are two reasons he was voicing his support for fans to be allowed at Bucs games.
“It would be God’s gift to the Buccaneers and Big Nasty,” Kunzig said. “I pray man, I pray if we can get into the bowl and wow could you imagine not just getting there, but being a Super Bowl champion.”
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