The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced the team's 2013 training camp schedule, which features an expanded selection of dates for fans, with 10 total open practices. The first of these free sessions will take place on Thursday, July 25, at 8:45 a.m., with the remaining dates and times detailed below.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Buccaneers will host training camp at franchise headquarters, One Buccaneer Place, where the team looks to engage fans and continue building from the momentum of a productive offseason. "This year's training camp marks the beginning of a new and exciting season of football in Tampa Bay," said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. "We are thrilled to give our loyal fans their first glimpse of the 2013 Buccaneers on the field and I know our entire organization is equally excited to get to work on what promises to be a memorable season."
There are no tickets required for public admittance to training camp, and those attending can expect the fan-friendly amenities offered in years prior, such as all public sessions being held on Field 3 for optimal viewing, autograph sessions, free parking, discounted concessions, merchandise tents and appearances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Captain Fear.
Continuing a popular feature from the 2012 camp, all 2013 training camp practices will take place from 8:45-11:30 a.m., with gates opening at 7:45 a.m. The early times will help fans beat the Florida heat and avoid afternoon thunderstorm threats. The exception to the daily practice schedule is the popular Night Practice, an intrasquad scrimmage under the lights at Raymond James Stadium that will be held on Saturday, July 27. Night Practice features free parking and admission, as well as discounted concessions and extended autograph sessions with active players, alumni and cheerleaders. Parking lots open at 2:30 p.m., with autograph vouchers – required for active-player signing sessions – distributed through the box office in the South Plaza starting at 3:00 p.m. and autograph sessions beginning at 4:00 p.m. The scrimmage is scheduled for a 6:45 p.m. start. Fans will be treated to a fireworks show to conclude the evening.
Those wishing to attend practice sessions should monitor Buccaneers.com for updates. The team's official website will also include helpful camp guidelines, parking information, and a map of One Buccaneer Place to help make visiting training camp a smooth and enjoyable process for all fans.
In August, the Buccaneers will also begin their preseason game slate, opening at home against the Super Bowl XLVII Champion Baltimore Ravens on August 8 at 7:30 p.m., before hitting the road for two consecutive road games.
Tampa Bay squares off at the New England Patriots on Friday, August 16, at 8:00 p.m., in a game that will be nationally televised on FOX. Prior to the game, the Buccaneers will travel to New England earlier in the week in order to participate in joint practices with the Patriots which will be held on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. The practices are open to the public and times will be released at a later date.
Following their trip to the Northeast, the Buccaneers face another road test against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m.
The club closes preseason action by hosting the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m.
The Buccaneers' 2013 regular-season schedule kicks off at the New York Jets on Sunday, September 8, at 1:00 p.m. The New Orleans Saints come to Tampa on Sunday, September 15, for Tampa Bay's home opener, which features a 4:05 p.m. kickoff.
2013 TRAINING CAMP PUBLIC SCHEDULE
PLEASE NOTE: Practice schedule and times are subject to change.
DATE & SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 25: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 26: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 27: 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Night Practice at Raymond James Stadium)
Monday, July 29: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 31: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 1: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, August 2: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 3: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 6: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 10: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
