The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday night. The real show at Raymond James Stadium, however, starts an hour earlier for Buccaneer fans.
On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced some additional details for fans planning to attend the team's ultra-popular Official Draft Party Presented by Miller Lite. The key piece of information: A special on-field presentation that, while it will remain a surprise in specific detail, just might include new Buccaneers Dashon Goldson and Darrelle Revis and a host of other high-profile players.
As always, the majority of the Draft Party will be held in the East Club Lounge. However, fans will be encouraged to head down to the stadium's lower bowl by 7:00 p.m. to witness the special presentation. Following that exciting event, party attendees will be able to follow the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft through the extensive coverage that will provided both on Buccaneers.com and by 620 WDAE, which will be broadcasting live from Raymond James Stadium.
As was originally announced on Sunday, Tampa Bay's two new stars in the secondary, Goldson and Revis, are headlining a group of very prominent Buccaneer players who will be attending the party. The Bucs confirmed that VIP guest list again on Wednesday, and it includes Goldson, Revis, Mark Barron, Doug Martin, Lavonte David, Josh Freeman, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn.
All told, that's four Pro Bowlers, the two newest starters in Tampa Bay's secondary, three of the NFL's most impactful rookies in 2012, six NFL first-round picks, the team's most productive pass-rusher in 2011 and the quarterback who plans to lead the whole squad back to playoff glory. While the drama of the NFL Draft's first round plays out on the video walls in the Club Lounge at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay fans will be enjoying the most concentrated amount of Buccaneer star power any party has seen in ages.
Doors to the party open at 6:00 p.m. and fans will find the following parking lots accessible beginning at 4:30: Lot 5, Lot 6, Lot 6D and Lot 7 (a link to a printable parking map and other party details can be found here).
Those attending the draft party can also look forward to autograph sessions with Buccaneers alumni and cheerleaders, chances to win autographed Buccaneers merchandise at the Miller Lite tent, and discounted food and beverages. For those 21 and over, there will also be premium beer sampling provided by Miller.
A live Twitter feed will be broadcast on video walls, and fans can join in to share their thoughts and photos by using hashtags #itsabucsdraft and #itsabucslife.
Buccaneers Season Pass Members will enjoy further benefits during the evening, including early access, complimentary food and beverages, access to the both the Pirate Ship and the field, and special member gifts and drawings. Fans interested in becoming Season Pass Members may contact a Buccaneers representative today by calling 866-582-BUCS (2827) or by visiting Buccaneers.com. Attendees may also talk to representatives and purchase passes during the Official Draft Party.
For any unable to attend the party in person, the Buccaneers will provide plenty of digital opportunities for connection. From the content on Buccaneers.com to the team's official Facebook page, Twitter feed and Instagram account, Buccaneers fans across the world will be able to follow the night's events.
