The USF Bulls football team plays their home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Raymond James Stadium has been home to the Bulls since 1998 and can seat over 65,000 fans. Some key facts about the stadium:
- Opened in 1998
- Located in Tampa, Florida
- Home stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the USF Bulls
- Seating capacity of 65,890
- Natural grass playing surface
As members of NCAA Division I FBS, the USF Bulls compete in the American Athletic Conference. Raymond James Stadium has hosted many memorable games and moments in USF football history. It provides an exciting gameday environment for Bulls fans.
History of Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium was built in 1998 to become the new home for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL team and the USF Bulls college football team. Here is some background on the stadium’s history and construction:
- Construction cost $168.5 million
- Funding came from Hillsborough County, the Tampa Sports Authority, and the Buccaneers
- The stadium site was chosen due to its proximity to the Tampa International Airport and major highways
- It was designed in a modern, state-of-the-art style to enhance the gameday experience
- Features include luxury suites, club seating, and a pirate ship in the north end zone
The stadium officially opened on September 20, 1998 with a game between the Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears. The USF Bulls played their first game at Raymond James Stadium on September 5, 1998 against Kentucky Wesleyan.
Notable Features
Some key features of Raymond James Stadium include:
- Two large HD video boards located in the north and south ends of the stadium
- Three connecting concourses that allow fans to walk around the entire stadium
- 136 luxury suites and over 7,000 club seats
- The pirate ship in the north end zone with cannons that fire when the Buccaneers score
- A state-of-the-art audio system and acoustics
- Over 600 concession points of sale
These features help create an exciting atmosphere for football games and other events held at the stadium.
Notable USF Games
The USF Bulls have played many thrilling and memorable games at Raymond James Stadium over the years. Here are some of the most notable:
September 24, 2016 – #10 Florida State
The unranked Bulls stunned 10th-ranked Florida State 55-35 for one of the biggest wins in program history. Quarterback Quinton Flowers accounted for five touchdowns.
November 26, 2016 – #18 UCF
USF beat their rival UCF 48-31 in front of a Raymond James Stadium record crowd of 66,745. The win clinched the Bulls’ first ever 11-win season.
November 23, 2007 – #5 West Virginia
The Bulls pulled off a huge 13-7 upset of 5th-ranked West Virginia on ESPN’s College GameDay. The win propelled USF to #2 in the rankings.
September 12, 2009 – #19 Florida State
USF earned a 17-7 victory over 19th-ranked Florida State. It was the Bulls’ first win over FSU since joining the Big East in 2003.
December 23, 2006 – East Carolina
In the inaugural PapaJohns.com Bowl, USF defeated East Carolina 24-7 at Raymond James Stadium for their first-ever bowl win.
Visiting Raymond James Stadium
Here is some key information for fans looking to attend a USF game at Raymond James Stadium:
- Public parking is available in numbered lots surrounding the stadium starting 4 hours before kickoff
- Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays
- Tickets can be purchased through the USF ticket office online, by phone, or in person
- No re-entry is allowed after entering the stadium
- Bags larger than 6″ x 6″ x 6″ are not permitted
- A full list of prohibited items can be found on the stadium website
Fans should be prepared for an exciting environment and energetic crowd at Raymond James Stadium. It’s one of the best venues in college football.
Stadium Amenities
Raymond James Stadium offers the following amenities and services for fans:
- Over 600 concession stands selling food, beer, and merchandise
- Breastfeeding suites for nursing mothers
- Family restrooms throughout the stadium
- First aid stations located on all levels
- Elevators to upper levels for ADA accessibility
- Customer service booths to answer questions
- Phone charging stations
- Bag check and lost & found
Getting to the Stadium
Here are some of the best options for getting to and from Raymond James Stadium on game day:
Parking
General parking lots open 4 hours before kickoff and cost $30 per vehicle. Preferred parking in closer lots is available for $60. Parking can be prepaid online.
Ridesharing
Popular pick-up and drop-off zones are located around the stadium for Uber, Lyft, taxis, etc. Avoid surge pricing by walking a few blocks away.
Public Transit
HART buses provide service to nearby stops on game days. The 30X and 98X Bull Runner offer direct service to the stadium 2 hours before the game.
Tailgating
Lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff for tailgating. Charcoal grills are permitted in designated areas. No kegs are allowed.
Walking or Cycling
There are sidewalks and bike lanes providing access to the stadium. Bike parking racks are available at stadium entrance gates.
Future of Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium recently completed $140 million in renovations from 2016-2019. Upgrades included:
- New HD video boards and a state-of-the-art sound system
- Renovated suites, clubs, concessions, and restrooms
- New stadium lighting and entrance enhancements
- Upgraded recruiting areas and locker rooms
These renovations will help the stadium stay modern and competitive, providing an excellent experience for fans and players. Further upgrades are likely in the future as technology continues advancing.
Barring construction of a new stadium, Raymond James Stadium is anticipated to remain the home of USF football for the foreseeable future. Its location, amenities and long-term lease make it an ideal venue for the Bulls. Several more generations of fans and players will get to experience games in this storied stadium.
Conclusion
Raymond James Stadium has been the home stadium for the USF Bulls football team since 1998. Located in Tampa, Florida, the 65,000-seat stadium provides an exceptional gameday environment with a wide range of premium amenities. Many classic USF games and moments have occurred within its walls. Raymond James Stadium has recently undergone major renovations and will continue hosting the Bulls for years to come. It is one of the premier venues not just in the American Athletic Conference, but in all of college football. Visiting fans are sure to have a memorable experience cheering on their team at the stadium.