Last year's regular-season finale against New Orleans ended well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as defensive end Dewayne White forced a fumble by quarterback Todd Bouman and returned it 34 yards for the game-clinching touchdown.
That game also started well for the Bucs, though. The home team took its opening possession 88 yards for a touchdown, building an early lead it would never relinquish. Opening-game scores are huge; last year the Bucs were 9-1 when they rolled the scoreboard first.
This year, opening-game scores could be even bigger for Buccaneer fans, thanks to the Budweiser “First Possession Payday” promotion. Just one of many fan programs being offered this year by the Buccaneers' Pewter Partners, the Payday will reward lucky fans when the team puts points on the board on its first drive.
Buc fans can enter to win a "First Possession Payday" prize package by visiting local participating Hess stores. The package includes Buccaneer game tickets and pregame field access, but the best part is the "Bonus Payout:" If Tampa Bay scores on its opening possession, the winner receives $1,000 per point. You've never wanted an extra point so badly!
Just to make the promotion more exciting, the winning fans are allowed to stay on the sideline during that first Buccaneer possession before returning to their seats for the rest of the game.
The Buccaneers have a valued group of Pewter Partners, as one can see represented around the inside ring of Raymond James Stadium. Those Pewter Partners are committed to providing Buccaneer fans with an endless array of programs, deals, parties and other opportunities, such as the "First Possession Payday."
For instance, BB&T, the official bank of the Buccaneers, gives fans an opportunity to win $5,000, an All-Star experience in Hawaii and more. The program is called the “Ultimate Bucs Fan Experience Sweepstakes,” and it can be found at local BB&T financial centers between September 1 and November 30. Fans may also enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.bankofthebucs.com.
Because of their unique relationships with the Buccaneers, Pewter Partners are able to create fan opportunities that other entities could not. For instance, Miller Lite is offering fans the great opportunity to watch home games from the Miller Lite Party Deck, located in the south end zone of the stadium.
In addition, Dodge will be giving some lucky fans the chance to take a trip to Pittsburgh to watch the Buccaneers take on the defending-champion Pittsburgh Steelers on December 3.
It's called the “Dodge Flyaway Sweepstakes.” Fans who visit a local Dodge dealership and test drive a new Dodge vehicle will receiver a limited edition Buccaneers/Dodge football. They may also enter for a chance to win an exclusive VIP away game trip to the Pittsburgh game.
Dodge will also be giving away custom Buccaneer radios to fans who attend this Sunday's season opener against Baltimore. Many Pewter Partners focus on providing coveted giveaway items to the fans. Bright House Networks, for instance, will be giving each fan at the December 10 home game against Atlanta a free Buccaneers calendar. Hess and the Tampa Tribune will be treating fans to Buccaneer Team Cards featuring players and cheerleaders all season long. Fans can collect the Team Cards by purchasing a Tampa Tribune at Hess locations on game days.
And so on. This season, like every season, Buccaneer fans stand to reap the benefits of the Bucs' Pewter Partner relationships. To stay updated on all of the current Pewter Partner fan programs, please visit the Buccaneers.com Pewter Partners fan programs page.
