Training Camp Just Got A Lot More Exciting
April 28th, 2025
Maybe, just maybe, Team Glazer can have high-level meetings and brainstorming sessions and figure out a way to let more Average Joe fans into training camp this year. You know, like the majority of NFL teams do.
Most training camp sessions at One Buc Palace are closed to the general public and attendance often is limited to season ticket holders and special interest group events. This wasn’t always the case.
In fact, Bucs officials used to openly toast how much they loved making practices open to the masses. “Come one, come all” then turned into “show me the money.”
Joe would understand that if was commonplace across the NFL, but it’s not. It also might be more understandable if the Bucs franchise wasn’t worth 30 times what Team Glazer paid for it 30 years ago.
One example: the Bucs are planning joint practices with the Ravens outside Baltimore. Last year, the Ravens opened 20 training camp practices to the public; secure a parking pass online and fill your vehicle with as many fans as it will hold.
Enter 2025. The upcoming Bucs training camp should be the most exciting in years. Most visible for fans at camp are receivers and defensive backs, and not only did the Bucs just draft receivers in Rounds 1 and 7, they added cornerbacks in Rounds 2 and 3.
The team-wide competition at receiver and corner will be fierce, and it no doubt will show up throughout August.
How many fans does Team Glazer want to experience that excitement? The answer is unclear.
Details on training camp usually arrive in June.
April 28th, 2025 at 9:55 am
I went to training camp a couple of times when it was in Orlando. Wore a creamsicle number 11 Steve Spurrier. Dude takes a long look at me and says, “Why?” I respond, “Loyalty – 1976”.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:00 am
We need to sign Kyzir White before camp. Any update on this LB signing Joe? Thought I heard reports a few weeks back he was close to being signed.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:02 am
Keep giving them bad press for this elitist crap they are pulling on the fanbase. It is a bad look and the Bucs should be shamed for it loudly and routinely.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:07 am
I went to UT training camp in 1986. I was in the restroom taking a pee and Steve DeBerg walked up to the urinal next to me. It had an appropriate barrier. He said “hey”. I said “hey. How are you?” He said “it’s hot.” I said “stay hydrated.”
I was 19 talking to a hero like he was a regular guy.
That’s priceless.
Let the fans back in, Glazers.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:15 am
I can’t believe they don’t allow fans in every year… The Broncos have at least 16 days every single year for fan interaction. I’m not even a Broncos fan, but I’ve gone just to experience the environment, and it truly changes the way you feel about the game. It’s a different kind of love for the sport! I remember having those same interactions you guys describe as a kid with Terrell Davis, John Elway, Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Mike Shanahan amongst others. Practices were completely open in Greeley in the 90s around here. Those experiences/interactions truly create a love and passion for the game that lasts a lifetime.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:16 am
Park your car across the street, Enter Peppin Rood stadium. Grab a coke and get a roster out of the box. Walk up to anywhere you like and have seat on a worn slab of concrete. Want to meet Derrick Brooks? John Lynch? Just walk down at the end of practice and say hello. Sam Wyche showing me the meaning of all his hand signals. Talking to Tony Dungy. Story after story. Easy peasy.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Bucs Officials to Average Joe fans:
‘You can’t come to Bucs’ practices during training camp, but you can help pay for our future stadium(s)’
April 28th, 2025 at 10:32 am
I remember going to Pippen Rood Stadium for Buccaneers’ practices as well as ESPN World at Disney. The team seemed to be much more approachable to the public back then. Before COVID, the Bucs even had autograph sessions in the in-door practice facility. That was great because you could actually briefly chat with the players. I remember one time Mike Evans was signing an item for my son when he noticed my son was wearing his jersey. Mike signed the jersey as well. Great dude!
April 28th, 2025 at 10:39 am
@ModHairKen
I dated a girl in high school who lived next door to Steve DeBerg. Great guy! I got to meet him on several occasions and even went out to dinner with him and some other players after a game. Rookies Blair Kiel and Ron Heller were with him.
April 28th, 2025 at 10:49 am
I’ve been going to Bucs practices since the days at the old One Buc Place when fans were prohibited. Used to back my Chevy Luv truck between the bushes, stand in the bed, and watch two-a-days. Once Ray Perkins sent Frankie Pupello over and invited me to come inside and watch. Once Sam Wyche had me tossed. For the most part, they just ignored me. Going to Orlando was awful. Too far and too hot. Practices at my alma mater UT were great. Now at One Buc Palace, the team does try to make each public session an event. Even as a season ticket holder, we’re still limited. Even with that perk, I still would like to see more practices open to the general public.
April 28th, 2025 at 11:53 am
The last few years have been a little disappointing from a fan interaction standpoint. Maybe the military appreciation event is better, so I might try to attend that one this year.
April 28th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Lt. Dan, Got to represent! Who cares what the masses think. I’m a native of Tampa and moved to the east coast in ’76. Nothing but Dolphins fans over here. I remember screaming out my apartment window when the Bucs won their first game the following year, “the Bucs just beat the fu@*!ng Saints! Didn’t exactly endear myself to the others in the building, but you got to represent.
April 28th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Hahaha..Thanks Bob! And @ Scubog…Chevy Luv!? BAM!! Blast from the past!! Luv it!
April 28th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
I think Sanders and Will Sheppard will make the roster. Sheppard is the next Mike Evans.
April 28th, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Great points Joe and many of the following posters.
I’m working backwards and so I’ll refer to thread that follows this a couple posts later about making the Bucs relevant.
If you want more eyeballs start at home! I also follow the Lightning, former season ticket holder, but I can’t even name all the starters this year. My wife watched all the games when you “could”. I’m not going to pay broadcast rights to some 3rd party cable entity to see the games. This means for many the Lightning have local blackouts. I know there are some tedious ways to get it around it but won’t discuss them for fear of getting the Joe’s in trouble.
Bottom line…let the people into the practices. It’s not just their eyeballs, they go home and tell all their friends who tell their friends….about the BUCS!!!