This Friday morning is the starting line for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans, in more way than one.
The Buccaneers begin their 2012 training camp early Friday with the first of nine practices open to the public at One Buccaneer Place. At the same time, those fans who wish to purchase individual-game tickets to the team's entire 2012 slate will be getting their first opportunity to do so.
The Buccaneers announced on Monday that individual-game tickets will go on sale Friday, July 27, at 10 a.m. ET. These tickets can be found at a wide variety of price points, starting as low as $30.
"We're looking forward to the start of a new era and are counting on our fans to maximize our home-field advantage at Raymond James Stadium," said Buccaneers Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer.
Season Pass, Stadium Club and Luxury Suite Members will have the advantage of a presale, which will start Monday, July 23, at 10 a.m. This presale is part of an ongoing effort to provide exclusive membership benefits.
In addition, Digital Buc Nation, those fans who follow the official Buccaneers Twitter feed or "like" the team's official Facebook page, will enjoy a 24-hour presale, starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 26.
As the Buccaneers announced their individual-game ticket sales, they also revealed the various game themes for the 10 contests at Raymond James Stadium this summer and fall. The team had previously announced its Paul Gruber Ring of Honor Game and its 2012 Throwback Game, but there are other promotions for fans to be aware of, including an exciting celebration of the franchise's greatest season.
The Buccaneers kick off the 2012 regular season with a home opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 9, where the club will celebrate the NFL's Back to Football initiative and also honor CB Ronde Barber for the achievement of his 200th consecutive start. As part of the event, fans will be treated to half-priced food and non-alcoholic drinks, free parking in select lots, and a commemorative Barber giveaway.
Other gameday themes include the popular Breast Cancer Awareness game, to be held on October 14 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. That same weekend, the team will induct Paul Gruber into the team's Ring of Honor at halftime. The annual fan-favorite Throwback Game returns on October 21, as the Buccaneers face the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints.
A visit from the Philadelphia Eagles on December 9 gives the Buccaneers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their 2002 Super Bowl Championship team. After finishing the '02 season with the NFC South title and a first-round playoff bye, Tampa Bay defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoff round to advance to the conference championship game in Philadelphia. In the final game played in Veterans Stadium, the Buccaneers won 27-10 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII, where they defeated the Oakland Raiders, 48-21, to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Fans attending that December 9 game, Philadelphia's first visit to Tampa in six years, will have the opportunity to relive that landmark season.
To purchase individual game tickets, fans may visit the Tickets section here on Buccaneers.com or call (800) 745-3000. Tickets will not be sold at the Buccaneers Ticket Office or at Raymond James Stadium.
