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Tailgating permitted, masks not required at Bucs home games in 2021

Fans also no longer will be required to undergo temperature screenings upon entering.
 
Bucs fans cheer during a preseason game against the Titans on Aug. 21 at Raymond James Stadium.
Bucs fans cheer during a preseason game against the Titans on Aug. 21 at Raymond James Stadium. [ MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times ]
Published Sept. 7, 2021|Updated Sept. 8, 2021

TAMPA — In addition to a capacity crowd, other signs of pre-pandemic normalcy will manifest themselves when the Bucs kick off the 2021 season Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium.

Among them: Tailgating will be permitted, and temperature checks will be absent.

All stadium protocols for Tampa Bay’s 2021 regular season were released Wednesday by the organization, which is returning to full capacity after a year of limited attendance — and for some games, no attendance — due to the prevalence of COVID-19 and no fully developed vaccine.

Like the two recent preseason home games, masks will be encouraged — but not required — for fans. Additionally, all stadium parking lots and concessions will remain cashless. Reverse ATMs will be stationed throughout the concourses for fans who must convert cash into cards for purchases.

“I credit the Glazer family — that priority (of safety for all) has never varied,” Bucs chief operating officer Brian Ford told reporters last week.

“And as we open up this 2021 season, that No. 1 priority is ahead of winning a championship. It’s going to be to maintain the health and safety of everybody involved. What we open up with on (Thursday) may change, and we’re going to adapt as things happen in our community. Hopefully, things will loosen up and we’ll be better, but if not, we’ll do whatever it takes to create that environment.”

To expedite the process for stadium entry, fans will pass through new magnetometers that don’t require items to be removed from pockets. A no-bag policy, however, remains in effect; bags larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches will not be permitted, though fans can submit special-needs requests at this link.

The Tampa Sports Authority — which manages the stadium — will continue with its enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas. All restrooms have been retrofitted with touchless fixtures, and all concession stands will have plexiglass dividers, with all staff wearing masks.

Stadium parking lots for Thursday’s game open at 4:45 p.m. Suite holders and club seat members may begin entering the stadium at 5:45, while general stadium gates open at 6:45. A celebration of the Bucs’ 2020 Super Bowl season, to be featured on NBC’s national broadcast, starts at 8.

“There’s going to be festivities on the field and off the field that you will want to be a part of. It all starts at 8 o’clock,” Ford said.

“I know we like to tailgate as a city, and the Tampa fan base is second to none. But come into Raymond James Stadium, get your seat, and there’s going to be some really exciting presentations on the field pregame.”

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.

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