Bucs Get Greenlight for Stadium Upgrades

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ request to enhance Raymond James Stadium with an estimated $87 million in upgrades scored a touchdown Thursday.

The Tampa City Council gave the proposal the final greenlight it needed to move forward. The Tampa Sports Authority gave its blessing on Tuesday followed by the Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday.

Thursday’s approval means that about $29 million in taxpayer dollars will now go to pay for such things as 9,600-square-foot video boards for the stadium. The Bucs have committed to spend about $58 million making the upgrades.

“Today marks the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work aimed at ensuring that Raymond James Stadium remains one of the finest sports facilities in the country,” Brain Ford, the Bucs’ chief operating officer, said in a statement following Thursday’s approval. “The agreement that was approved this week is a winning proposition for the entire Tampa Bay region and a shining example of a true public-private partnership that will benefit our community for years to come.”

“On behalf of the Tampa Sports Authority, I would like to thank the TSA Board of Directors, the administrations of Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their partnership in finalizing this renovation plan,” Eric Hart, TSA president and chief executive officer said. “This extensive renovation will provide our fans an enhanced event experience and uniquely position Tampa to host future world class events such as Super Bowls and the College Football National Championship. The approval of this project is a win for the whole community.”

The county’s share of bill comes from its tourist tax, the paper noted. The fourth cent of every five collected is only allowed to be spent on projects such as the stadium renovations.

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