There is only one stadium in the country where fans can spot a full-scale pirate ship, Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As an expansion franchise, the Buccaneers spent their first 21 seasons at Tampa Stadium (also known as Houlihan Stadium). Following the death of owner Hugh Culverhouse in 1994, the team’s future in Tampa became uncertain, with potential ownership groups in several cities expressing interest in relocating the franchise.

Stability arrived in 1995 when Malcolm Glazer purchased the team and pushed for the construction of a new stadium. After an initial effort to fund the project through charter seat sales fell short, relocation again became a possibility. However, in October 1996, voters in Hillsborough County approved a referendum to finance a new stadium in Tampa. Construction began later that year adjacent to the existing stadium. Raymond James Financial secured naming rights in a 13-year agreement, giving the venue its name.

The Buccaneers played their inaugural game at Raymond James Stadium on September 20, 1998, against the Chicago Bears, in front of more than 65,000 fans. The stadium features two three-tiered grandstands along the sidelines, with additional seating in each end zone. Designed with a strong emphasis on fan experience, the venue includes approximately 12,000 club seats and 195 luxury suites.

Its most iconic feature is Buccaneer Cove, located beyond the north end zone. Designed as a 19th-century pirate village, the $3 million attraction includes a 103-foot-long replica pirate ship that serves as both a visual centerpiece and entertainment platform. The area also features a themed fishing village façade, concession stands, beach-style kiosks, and a large decorative skull. One of the stadium’s signature traditions occurs when the Buccaneers score, eight cannons aboard the ship fire in celebration.

Raymond James Stadium has hosted multiple major events, including Super Bowl XXXV, Super Bowl XLIII, and Super Bowl LV. Notably, led by quarterback Tom Brady, the Buccaneers became the first team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium with their victory in Super Bowl LV. The venue also hosts the annual ReliaQuest (Outback) Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017. It will host the National Championship Game again in 2029.