The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the field to begin training camp on the morning of Friday, July 28, and the Hard Knocks cameras won't be the only eyes trained on the action. That two-hour practice is the unofficial start to the Buccaneers' much-anticipated 2017 campaign, and it's also the first chance for Tampa Bay fans to get an up-close look at the new-look squad.
The Buccaneers will hold 13 practices at One Buccaneer Place that are open to the public between that July 28 camp kickoff and Thursday, August 24. As always, admission to the open practices is free, as is parking immediately adjacent to team headquarters. No ticket is needed for admittance. All 13 practices will be begin and end before noon in order to take advantage of cooler temperatures for both players and fans.
The following training camp practice dates are open to the public. As noted 12 of those 13 workouts begin at 8:45 a.m. ET.
In addition, the team's practice on Monday, July 31 has been set aside as Military Appreciation Day; this event will not be open to the general public. All dates and times are subject to change; check Buccaneers.com for up-to-date scheduling information, particularly when there is the possibility of inclement weather. Updated information will also be disseminated via the Buccaneers' official Twitter feed, @TBBuccaneers, including camp guidelines, parking information, maps and any schedule updates in order to make visiting training camp a smooth and enjoyable process.
The Buccaneers are coming off a 2016 campaign in which the team finished 9-7, won six of its last eight contests and only missed the playoffs on a third-level tiebreaker. After an offseason highlighted by the additions of wide receiver DeSean Jackson, tight end O.J. Howard and defensive tackle Chris Baker, the franchise believes it is poised to make a playoff run in 2017 behind third-year quarterback Jameis Winston.
"We are more than a month away from the start of training camp, yet there is already an unprecedented level of excitement and anticipation among our fans to see our players on the field," said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. "Our goal is to make the experience at training camp bigger and better each year for the best fans in the NFL and this season is no exception with 11 practices open to the general public. The cooler morning temperatures, combined with the excitement of seeing this year's team for the first time under the direction of Coach Koetter and his staff will make for a great atmosphere."
VIEW: PROHIBITED ITEMS AT CAMP
The excitement surrounding the Buccaneers will be heightened during training camp by the presence of the NFL Films Hard Knocks crew. Tampa Bay is this year's subject of the extremely popular HBO series that gives football fans an intimate inside look at the operation of an NFL team during training camp and the preseason. In essence, fans who attend this year's training camp will be the equivalent of a live studio audience for the show.
The Buccaneers have held training camp at their state-of-the-art headquarters since 2009. As in the past, this year's camp will offer not only a close-up view of the players' preparation for the season but also such amenities as concession stands, merchandise tents and post-practice autograph sessions with the players. Fans in attendance will also be treated to performances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and the fun-loving presence of team mascot Captain Fear. Camp will also feature the Glazer Family Foundation Vision Mobile, the Street Team RV and the Women of RED Zone exhibit, along with Buccaneer players signing autographs following the conclusion of each practice.
It all begins on July 28. Hard Knocks will be there, and you can be, too.
