Break open that pack of Sharpies. Clear the card in your digital camera. Load up the washing machine with your Mike Alstott jersey and Junior's Cadillac Williams t-shirt.
And set your alarm for early Saturday morning.
That's right, it's time once again for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' FanFest, easily the most popular day of the offseason among fans.
Presented by Bright House Networks, the 2006 FanFest will include all of the elements Buccaneer fans have come to anticipate on this one-of-a-kind day: up-close interaction with virtually the entire roster, myriad autograph opportunities, a Q&A session with the entire Buccaneer coaching staff, cheerleader performances, interactive games, sponsor giveaways and more.
And, best of all, it's completely free and open to the public! Simply head down to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday morning – the gates open at 9:30 a.m. – and spend the day completely immersed in the Buccaneers. If you weren't ready for the 2006 season to begin already, you will be after FanFest.
The 2006 FanFest will last until 2:00 p.m. and will include two lengthy autograph periods with the players, spread among various locations in the stadium to maximize fans' opportunities to meet their favorite Buccaneers. The first session will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at noon; the second will cover the noon-2:00 p.m. period.
FanFest annually draws more than 20,000 visitors to the stadium, but the well-organized autograph system allows most to get the signatures they desire. During each two-hour session, specific groups of players are stationed at four spots inside the air-conditioned Club Lounges, while another, much larger group of players and coaches will be available in the Main Concourse between Gates A and D.
Alstott, Derrick Brooks, Anthony McFarland and Alex Smith are among the Bucs who will be signing during the morning session in the Club Lounges. The afternoon session will feature such stars as Williams, Chris Simms, Davin Joseph, Chris Hovan, Michael Clayton and Michael Pittman. (All player appearances are subject to change without notice.) Head Coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Bruce Allen will head up the longer table in the Main Concourse during the morning session.
The stations inside the Club Lounges require specific autograph vouchers which are free and available at the Ticket Windows on the south side of the stadium. The vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Vouchers are not required to get autographs from the players on the main concourse. Due to the large number of people expected to attend FanFest, the Buccaneers cannot guarantee that all fans will receive an autograph.
As usual, there will be plenty of other attractions for the fans who venture out to FanFest on Saturday. Allen, Gruden and several assistant coaches will engage in a Coaches' Corner, in which they will discuss their goals for the upcoming season. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to meet the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders as well as team mascot Captain Fear. The new cheerleading squad will be performing in public for the first time since being formed this spring.
The interactive games, popular among the kids (and grown kids!) who want to throw, kick and run like their favorite Buccaneers, are back as well. Refreshments will be available, of course.
A few key facts about the 2006 Buccaneers FanFest, presented by Bright House Networks:
- Date: Saturday, June 3, 2006 * Stadium gates Open at 9:30 a.m. * Autograph voucher distribution begins at 9:30 a.m. at the south side ticket windows (supplies limited) * Fans may enter the stadium through Gates C and D on the south side of the stadium * Free parking will be available in Lots 5 & 7 as well as 6D (enter lots on Himes Avenue and follow directions posted on message boards to open parking areas) * First autograph session: 10:00 a.m. to noon * Second autograph session: Noon to 2:00 p.m.
