The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shared much of their training camp preparations for the 2012 season with their fans. The experience has been so enjoyable, they want to share a little more.
On Tuesday, the team announced that it will be opening its practice on the morning of Tuesday, August 14 to the public. This practice, which comes just two days before the Buccaneers break camp and head into their in-season workout schedule, had previously been designated as a closed session.
As with the other open practices during training camp, the session on August 14 is free and all are welcome. The practice will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the gates open at 7:30.
For the fourth year in a row, the Buccaneers are holding their training camp at team headquarters, located just east of Raymond James Stadium at 3302 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. A complete map of the camp grounds at One Buccaneer Place, as well as other information regarding the team's training camp, can be found here.
Turnout for the first eight open practices during the Bucs' 2012 camp has been outstanding and the enthusiasm of the fans during the workouts has helped the team work extremely hard for the past two weeks. During open practices, the majority of the players' work, including all full-team drills, is held on Field Three, which is bordered on three sides with covered bleachers for onlookers. In addition, fans gain access to the Buccaneers' backyard through Buccaneers Cove, which includes a concession stand, a merchandise store with the latest team gear, comfortable bathrooms and medical facilities. Buccaneers Cheerleaders are also on hand throughout practice to entertain fans.
At the end of each open practice, the entire team heads over to the stands to meet the visiting fans up close and sign autographs. Even during the various practice drills, the action is so close to the stands that the players can hear and acknowledge the fans' words of encouragement.
Next Tuesday, Tampa Bay fans will have one more opportunity to see their team in action, up close and personal, as the Buccaneers prepare for their much-anticipated 2012 season.
