The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, where fans will proudly turn the stands into a sea of pewter and red. This week, however, those same Buccaneer faithful will also embrace another color – pink – as they join forces with the NFL to battle a much more significant opponent: breast cancer.
As part of the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign, which reminds women 40 and older about the importance of having an annual mammogram, the Buccaneers have tailored this weekend's gameday events to raise awareness and recognize the courageous individuals who fight this deadly disease every day.
Before entering the stadium, fans will be encouraged to visit the Florida Cancer Specialists mobile screening vehicle on Tampa Boulevard, south of Raymond James Stadium. At all gates, ZTA sorority volunteers will hand out cancer awareness ribbons, and every fan who enters the stadium will receive a custom Buccaneers pink rally towel, provided by The Tampa Tribune.
Prior to kickoff, the Buccaneers will be welcomed to the field by the children of parents battling breast cancer as well as oncology nurses from across the state of Florida. Over 200 breast cancer survivors, patients and caretakers will participate in pre-game elements as well, and enjoy the game in the "Front Row Fans" sections of the stadium, compliments of Buccaneers players, coaches and football staff. The team will also recognize special guest Debbie Morey, the Buccaneers' honorary captain. Morey was selected by a panel of leading oncologists and Tampa Bay Buccaneers representatives for her unique and inspirational story about her battle against breast cancer.
Additionally, Buccaneers cheerleaders will line the field in pink uniforms and players, coaches and referees will wear pink accessories with their uniforms. Game-worn pink merchandise and footballs will be autographed after the game and auctioned at NFL Auction (www.nflauction.nfl.com), with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities. Raymond James Stadium will also support the cause through breast cancer awareness banners, field stencils and pink flags that will fly from the pirate ship in Buccaneer Cove during the game. To learn more about how you can join the Buccaneers in the fight against breast cancer, visit www.nfl.com/pink.
