On Thursday, the Buccaneers held their launch party for the RED Women's Movement at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Over 1,500 women attended the event.
"This has been a vision of mine for so long," Buccaneers Family Foundation Co-President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said Thursday night. "As a female voice in my family, it was so important for me to highlight that we have so many unbelievable female fans. I think the energy in this room tonight is tremendous."
There were several activities, including a meet-and-greet with Buccaneer legends Mike Alstott, Martin Gramatica and Jimmie Giles and Michael Clayton, among others. Hundreds of women were able to test out the Bucs' all-new virtual reality training system, which the team launched this spring to help newly-drafted quarterback, Jameis Winston.
Women were also able to try on Bucs equipment, from jerseys to shoulder pads to helmets, in addition to meeting with fantasy football experts to discuss their strategy for the 2015 season.
"I'm a huge Bucs fan and its' great to be a part of this and learn a little bit more about the team and the players," said one attendee. "I like all the stations. Seeing all of the old players, that was really cool. It was great."
General Manager Jason Licht was also in attendance and provided an in-depth analysis of the draft process, which proved to be one of the night's highlights.
Photos of the RED Women's Movement Launch Party in the West Club at Raymond James Stadium.
Attendees file into the West Club at Raymond James Stadium for the RED Launch Party.
RED Launch Party attendees sample food available in the West Club at Raymond James Stadium.
Attendees meet Bucs Legend Safety Dwight Smith at the RED Launch Party.
Attendees meet Bucs Legend Tight End Jimmie Giles and his wife, Vivian, at the RED Launch Party.
Attendees try on football equipment at the RED Launch Party.
Attendees at the RED Launch Party meet with Bucs Legend Defensive Tackle Brad Culpepper.
Attendees participate at the Virtual Reality station at the RED Launch Party.
Bucs Legend Wide Receiver Michael Clayton speaks to the crowd at the RED Launch Party.
Attendees fill the West Club at Raymond James Stadium for the RED Launch Party.
Attendees participate at the Virtual Reality station at the RED Launch Party.
Glazer Family Foundation Co-President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz speaks to the crowd at the RED Launch Party.
Former Bucs great Brad Culpepper speaks with attendees.
These two passionate fans learned about equipment fitting.
GM Jason Licht discussed the Bucs first round draft pick QB Jameis Winston.
Brad Culpepper was one of several former Bucs great in attendance.
Former Bucs legend FB Mike Alstott addressed the audience.
Women were able to experience the same virtual reality system used by the Bucs.
It was all smiles for these four women of RED.
The RED Launch Party gave women many opportunities for unique selfies.
Attendees watch Chris Golic, wife of former NFL great and current broadcast personality Mike Golic, on the big screen.
More happy attendees from the RED Launch Party!
Legendary Bucs kicker Martin Gramatica poses for a photo with this lucky fan.
These four women showed off some great Bucs style.
The virtual reality booth was a big hit with attendees.
Audience members were captivated by the insight given by GM Jason Licht.
There was no shortage of happy faces at the RED Launch Party event.
Martin Gramatica poses with two more fans.
A RED Launch Party attendee played the part of QB Jameis Winston for our photographer.
These two Bucs fans showed off some of the fantastic Bucs gear and accessories displayed at the event.
Former Bucs WR Michael Clayton speaks with a captive audience.
Cheers to RED!
Mike Alstott signs autographs for fans.
"We know that we have wonderful fans and we know that they love the Buccaneers and they showed up tonight," Buccaneers Community Relations Director Eileen Sweeney said. "I think the elements that we included turned out to be the ones that they really cared about. Between seeing the legends and hearing from Jason (Licht) and the whole breakdown of the draft."
All-in-all, RED's first event was an overwhelming success.
"I've been going to NFL-sponsored events for over 20 years," Glazer Kassewitz said. "I have never, ever been to an event of this magnitude. (It was) truly a historic evening."
