The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced the themes for each of their 10 home dates during the 2016 season, highlighted by the Ring of Honor Game on November 3. Buccaneers legend John Lynch's storied career will be celebrated as he is inducted at halftime of the team's Thursday Night Football contest against the Atlanta Falcons.
"The renovations of Raymond James Stadium, combined with the addition of talented new players to our roster, have our fans excited for the start of the 2016 season," Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said. "We look forward to showcasing our new and improved gameday experience as well as celebrating some of the special game themes that have developed into fan favorites, such as the Ring of Honor and our military Salute to Service."
The Buccaneers will begin their home slate in a CBS nationally televised matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Friday, August 26, at 8 p.m. ET. Halftime entertainment will be provided by the team's Junior Cheer program. Additionally, the contest will mark the official debut of the first stage of extensive renovations and improvements to Raymond James Stadium which feature brand new, state-of-the-art, high definition video boards in each end zone, four HD tower video displays in each corner of the lower bowl, HD ribbon boards and an all-new dispersed sound system.
Tampa Bay concludes its preseason slate by hosting the Washington Redskins on September 1, while also celebrating the NFL's Youth Footballinitiative which is focused on providing youth football participants with safe and accessible places to play, as well as programs and initiatives that address the importance of proper coaching, health, safety and wellness, academic and life skills development and character education programs.
On September 25, the Buccaneers return to Raymond James Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Tampa Bay's regular-season home opener. The game, which begins at 4:05 p.m., will celebrate the beginning of the 2016 season as part of the NFL's league-wide Kickoff theme.
The Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos will visit on October 2 in another late-afternoon start as the organization will join in trumpeting the league's Play 60 campaign, which is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids active and aware of the importance of health and fitness.
The Buccaneers take part in the league-wide "A Crucial Catch" campaign on October 30 against the Oakland Raiders, as the team and stadium will be highlighted by pink accents to show support for breast cancer awareness. Included in the weekend's activities to raise funds for the cause will be the team's fourth annual Treasure Chests 5K Run/Walk and Corporate Challenge, a certified road race held in the shadows of Raymond James Stadium. In order to accommodate the growing numbers of runners that participate in the event, this year's Treasure Chests 5K race will be held on Saturday, October 29, rather than on gameday morning. Additional details will be released at a later date.
On Thursday, November 3, Tampa Bay plays under the lights on a primetime stage, hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football as the Buccaneers celebrate the extraordinary career of legendary safety John Lynch during a halftime Ring of Honor induction ceremony. Lynch becomes the ninth member of the Ring of Honor, joining Buccaneer legends John McKay, Lee Roy Selmon, Jimmie Giles, Paul Gruber, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Doug Williams and Mike Alstott. In addition, both the Falcons and Buccaneers will wear their Color Rush uniforms.
When Tampa Bay takes on Chicago on November 13, the team will honor the country's military with the annual Salute to Service game. While the organization honors the men and women who served or continue to serve our country year-round, this day will showcase the Buccaneers' appreciation efforts for our military with specialized tributes throughout the gameday experience.
On November 27, the Seattle Seahawks travel to Tampa as part of the NFL's Thanksgiving celebration week.
The Buccaneers then face the New Orleans Saints on December 11, in a game that will recognize Tampa Bay's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. The NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year program recognizes players league-wide for their excellence on and off the field, culminating in the announcement of the award winner during the NFL Honors, the night prior to the Super Bowl.
The team will close out the 2016 regular season with a crucial NFC South matchup against the defending NFC Champion Carolina Panthers while celebrating its annual Fan Appreciation Dayon January 1, 2017. Fans in attendance will be honored with giveaways, messages from players and even the chance to be selected to receive one of the Buccaneers' team captains' game-worn jerseys.
The Buccaneers continue to offer season pass memberships at a wide variety of price points. Memberships start at just $40 (per game) for adults and $20 (per game) for youth and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. In addition, this season the Buccaneers are offering a pair of five-game plans. For more information, to speak with a Buccaneers account representative or to get information about special group pricing, please contact 866-582-BUCS (2827) or visit Buccaneers.com.
