It’s A Florida Thing
October 12th, 2025
So long as Tampa Bay is a superior place to live and play, visiting fans will always be an issue.
Unless a weather phenomenon develops like global cooling and Florida weather devolves from warm to chilly to freezing in the fall, Florida will always draw folks from rotten-weather regions of the country.
And so, since Tampa Bay region is so desirable to live and visit, it’s impossible to have a Bucs home game not filled to some degree with opposing fans.
This subject reared its ugly head when Eagles fans invaded Tampa Bay two weeks ago. Depending on your point of view, the sellout crowd was anywhere from 40-60 percent Eagles fans.
This infuriated callers to sports radio shows and Bucs fans sitting at home watching on TV.
So last week, the Sage of Tampa Bay sports, JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, asked Bucs coach Todd Bowles if an army of opposing teams’ fans bothers the Bucs. Bowles said (Joe will paraphrase) that’s not just a Tampa Bay thing but also a Jacksonville and Miami thing, and that’s just the price of doing business where everyone wants to visit or live.
“I think it’s like that in the state,” Bowles said. “I spent some time in Miami and a lot of people from the East and the Northwest have homes down here – snowbirds and everything else.
“You’re going to get a lot of transplants, so you’re going to get a lot of fans from other teams. I kind of got used to that in Miami. That doesn’t mean we don’t have our own crowd – we have a bunch of fans coming out and [supporting]. You see them.
“You can’t fault somebody for living in Florida and rooting for their home team. Obviously, you want the stands to be all red and pewter or creamsicle, but other fans don’t really bother us.
“We play our game, and if we win ball games, our fans will be louder than theirs.”
Bingo. Just win, baby. The Bucs have always dealt with hordes of Eagles fans and as long as the Bucs were winning, the Eagles fans not only got drowned out but chased out before the game was over.
Ironically, Joe covered the last Bucs game in San Diego in 2016. Just about the entire sideline behind the Bucs bench — from the expensive seats all the way up to the Bob Uecker seats — wore red or orange, mostly orange.
Joe couldn’t believe it. Bucs fans damn near took over a visiting stadium? They damn near did. And the Bucs won, too. It was a cool scene.
That night Joe was talking with the Chargers’ media relations director about visiting teams’ fans taking.
The Chargers’ suit told Joe that whenever a team is located in a “destination city,” that team will always have problems with visiting fans. It was the case in San Diego, it’s the case in Los Angeles (did you see the 49ers-Rams game a week ago last Thursday?). It’s (currently) the case in Las Vegas and as we all know, it is the case in all three NFL cities in Florida.
This was an issue when the Bucs were born 50 years ago, it’s the case now and it will forever be the case so long as Tampa Bay is a coveted vacation and residential spot.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:31 am
It was a sea of red in the early 2000’s.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:31 am
It wouldn’t be as much of an issue if tickets were a bit cheaper and more locals bought season tickets. Most games aren’t sold out so tickets are easy to come by for a single game. This isn’t the case with some other popular teams.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:34 am
Exactly, Cannon. Back in the early 2000s I don’t remember visiting teams taking over the stadium like they do now.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:37 am
It’s (currently) the case in Las Vegas and as we all know, it is the case in all three NFL cities in Florida.
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Why would anyone willingly want to go to Jacksonville? Maybe the drive up from Disney, I guess? That awful ugly bridge they have in that hideous shade of blue should warn people they don’t want to go, and then there’s the stench. I only been to Jacksonville once, in the late 80s, and I can still smell the place.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:47 am
Cannon Says:
October 12th, 2025 at 1:31 am
It was a sea of red in the early 2000’s.
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Well the Bucs were winning AND the stadium was new, AND the housing market had yet to collapse so people were feeling good about their homes tripling in value in like 5 years and were willing to spend money. In the great recession, Tampa was literally the hardest hit market in terms of jobs and home values and cost of living – and that priced out a lot of people from going to games. With all the growth here, nearly all from out of state, driving up the cost of everything – natives who have always made less (in turn everything used to be much cheaper) are just not going to drop $1000 for a few hours of entertainment for a family of 4. Meanwhile, for people coming in from out of town, if this is a vacation, they’re a lot more willing to pay vacation prices for something they might only ever do once.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:54 am
Glazers have the money to do something about it.
October 12th, 2025 at 2:36 am
For the most part, it seems the Bucs are more ready and fired up to play on the road. They need to do the same at home, no matter who is in the crowd.
October 12th, 2025 at 6:35 am
Joe in MI
It would appear home games are away games.
October 12th, 2025 at 6:44 am
Sadly the economy is beginning to have an effect across the nation especially in Vegas! Of course it’s largely driven in Florida by the total abscence of Canadians but I don’t suspect that will impact the Bucs, however the Lightning are a different story.
October 12th, 2025 at 6:44 am
We have a lot of businesses who hold the tickets to sell and give to out of town clients, and a lot of Krewe members who retain their tickets for the sole purpose of reselling them at a profit to visitors. Plus, there are a lot of folks who moved here decades ago, who may even normally be Bucs fans, but decide what jersey to wear based on the chance of winning. I’ve seen people change shirts and caps during the game.
October 12th, 2025 at 6:45 am
I remember in the 80’s when we were still in the same division as Walter Payton and Da Bears, those infernal Chicago yankees would fill up the stadium every time
October 12th, 2025 at 6:47 am
Steve “Big Dog” Duemig had a great philosophy. When you move here, you have 3years to support your old home team. After 3years, you’re now a part of the fabric of the Tampa Bay community. If you’re rooting for your old community to beat your now entrenched community, then you’re just a D-bag. Unless you’re an Eagles fan. Then you’re just an absolute D-bag and always will be.
October 12th, 2025 at 6:50 am
Growing up in Tampa was amazing! Playing sports all year round, fishing, going to all of the theme parks etc. Now as an adult – I hate the constant heat. Living in the Mid Atlantic area now – it’s my “new” amazing! We enjoy four very distinct climate changes every year. When we get tired of one season – it’s on to the next season. Now – let’s get after the 9’ers!!
October 12th, 2025 at 7:05 am
Bologna. Look I’ve been a Bucs Fan since 79’ you think if I move I’m going to stop being a fan and root for whatever team is where I moved to? Never happen! Go Bucs!
October 12th, 2025 at 7:07 am
Some of you don’t remember so many outside fans in the early 2000’s. You missed the Old Sombero. As someone mentioned, I saw Walter Payton, Sanders, Farve, it was 90 percent back than. Bucs have come a long way, but this will always be a place other fans would love to come for a game. Enjoy their money while they’re here.
October 12th, 2025 at 7:12 am
Tampa Bay is a poor town. Median income is
~$40k and household median income of ~$71k.
Simply can’t afford the tickets, parking and food.
October 12th, 2025 at 7:48 am
And you still live with your grandparents poor boy
October 12th, 2025 at 7:57 am
Lived in Long Beach 13 years and definitely the case. I divorced the Browns over the shameful recruitment of a sex offender but i still cheer for the Indians/Guardians and Cavaliers. Angels games,had,a large contingent of chief Wahoo shirts. Not so much Lakers but Clippers games had lots of Cavs and LeBron jersies. As for weather it could be global cooling again. I have,seen graphs where we,are due for an ice age. Also the wildfires every summer recently in the Canadians Rockies are spreading ash over the Canadian arctic and reflecting the sun back out into space. Last winter in FL was the coldest in 15 years.
October 12th, 2025 at 7:57 am
I moved here in ‘96 as a Viking fan.
Yr 1 – rooted for Bucs unless they played Vikes.
Yr 2 – rooted for both teams and was ok with whoever won head to head.
Ye 3 – All Bucs, all the time and forever more.
Thank you “Steve Big Dog” Duemig!
October 12th, 2025 at 7:58 am
Florida is a poor state financially with a mass disparity between the haves and have nots. Super low wages and a high cost of living.
October 12th, 2025 at 8:01 am
It’s a simple as the tickets are to expensive for the average income family Rod Munch said it best. The Jeff reiterate that as well. We all know people make there money in other states and then retire to Florida. For a hole bunch of reasons 1 being no state income tax. OK ok it’s the Sunshine State.
October 12th, 2025 at 8:01 am
I remember seeing Donavan McNabb puke on the field it was great. Plain and simple, if you move here you support the local teams.
October 12th, 2025 at 8:02 am
It’s a crisp 46 where I am this morning.. looks like the game will
have relatively cool weather today as well..
October 12th, 2025 at 8:05 am
We went to the home opener: 2 tickets in end zone row f cost $330. I spent $40 to park and another $75 or so inside on food and water. I won’t eat much, I just make sure my daughter is fed and that we have plenty of water to stay hydrated. I wish I could afford this 8x, I just can’t. Maybe get to go to one or two of the later home games 🙏🏻 Went to 4 games last year, feels like I had more money last year too
October 12th, 2025 at 8:14 am
Iamgusswayze,
I am like you, got to one game last year and they lost. So trying to justify the expense of the one game you can afford to attend while realizing there’s a chance you go home depressed anyway makes the option of staying home all that more appealing.
And I’m an optimist around here. LOL
October 12th, 2025 at 8:23 am
I remember going to a Falcons game in the old Georgia Dome and Bucs fans were about 70% of the crowd….Loved it..GO BUCS………..
October 12th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Munch,
Hope you have noticed that I have offered you the peace sign minus my index finger. Will lay off until you wet your pants over the next Baker interception. All is forgiven for now. You were told repeatedly about what to expect from our MVP candidate. Now you have seen.
October 12th, 2025 at 9:04 am
Marky mark,
Shameful that the Indians after 115 years changed their name because 8 people protested. The name Indians was in honor of Chief Socalexus who actually played for the team back in the early 1900’s. Hope that the days of cancel culture are over. Shame that all that great tradition which included Bob Feller, Rocky Colavito, Bob Lemon, Jim Thome, Albert Belle just to name a few had to be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.
October 12th, 2025 at 9:23 am
I can’t blame them!! I moved here from Chicago in 2004. I became a Buc’s fan shortly after. McMahan, Hampton, Perry, Fencik and Singletary were long gone from the Bears so I shelved them in favor of my new home team..The Buc’s! I The opposing fans probably piss BM6 off ! That’s not a bad thing!
October 12th, 2025 at 9:32 am
You mean like the cancel culture that tried to get Jimmy Kimmel thrown off the air and failed. Like the cancel culture firing career professionals for something they posted online years ago?? I agree get rid of ALL cancel culture,
October 12th, 2025 at 9:35 am
Thanks for sharing Gipper!
Go Bucs!!!!
October 12th, 2025 at 9:42 am
You can’t complain about our-of-towners, it’s why you have no state income tax. Clearly, those of you complaining about the high cost of living in Tampa have never lived outside of the area (except maybe the country, where it’s always gonna be cheaper). Yes, the cost of living is relative to divisional foes (NO, ATL, Charlotte), but a lot of the league is situated in high rent areas like DC, NY, Philly, SF, Chicago, even Pittsburgh where there is a state income tax and a township right to work tax. I don’t disagree that the NFL is gouging fans in stadiums (i paid $350 to be at the MNF game next week in Det…and not good seats) and thru the necessity of tv subs to watch (wh will eventually be why Rome falls), but there are really 3 main factors why the stadiums (the sombrero n rayjay) get taken over.
1. It’s never sold out and it’s easier to get tix in Tampa than it is to see a game in their home town (this includes transplants)
2. Vacation destination for sure, but trust me, nobody is clamoring to vacation in Florida in Sept
3. Lazy old mf’ers who’d rather complain and make excuses (heat, price, drive, parking, etc) than get up and support their team. I remember as a kid, riding my bike 5 miles to Tampa stadium with $5 in my pocket. Id head to the season ticket lot and invariably “Jeff” would be selling grandad’s season tix 🤣. Within an hr, I’d scalp to upgrade that tix and have enough $ in my pocket for food and drink. Now, tourists do it from afar via the internet. Screaming into the ether and complaining about Bowles is NOT support, it’s self indulgence
October 12th, 2025 at 9:49 am
I’ve been to games at the old Tampa Stadium. Went to the inaugural game at Raymond James where Bucs hosted da Bears. Bucs won. 🙂 I agree with the commenters that you have to be a gazillionaire to go to these games now. One thing I did hear over and over was that Bucs fans were very well behaved. None of this getting beers thrown at you and other hijinks like they had, especially in Miami and Philly. Go Bucs and us fans, 5-1!!
October 12th, 2025 at 10:12 am
I moved away from Tampa in January of 2003. The Bucs, Rays, Bulls and Magic are still my favorite teams and I still get the TBT, mostly for the sports page. Perhaps if I’d moved to a city/state with professional teams I might have switched allegiance, but I don’t think so. I did pick up a new college team and a hatred for the Longhorns when i married a Sooner grad. Yesterday was a sad one in our home. Let today be brighter. Go Bucs! 5-1!!
October 12th, 2025 at 10:17 am
Cannon Says
“It was a sea of red in the early 2000’s.”
We had a 100,000 waiting list for season tickets back then.
But, season tickets back then coast a lot less. Cost of living back then was much lower too.
For me, I was priced out over time. Now that I’m older, mobility is an issue too. Health.
It’s on the new generation of fans to support the team now…and loyalty isn’t what it once was.
October 12th, 2025 at 10:18 am
This thread was actually an excellent read with many thoughtful posts and good points. Thanks to all for a good morning.
October 12th, 2025 at 10:19 am
BridleOaksBuc Says:
October 12th, 2025 at 6:47 am
“Steve “Big Dog” Duemig had a great philosophy. ”
He was wrong. It sounds good and all, but I am a lifer Buc fan. If I move to another location, I will Never stop being a Buc fan.
And I don’t expect others to quit on their teams neither.
October 12th, 2025 at 11:25 am
ONE thing is sure more expensive in FLA than elsewhere. I moved back to VA years ago and my car insurance dropped by 2/3
October 12th, 2025 at 11:40 am
Well, I lived in Dunedin for 25 years. I absolutely loved Florida. I came from California but the heat seldom bothered me. Immediately, I switched to the Bucs since it was rare to even see the 49rs back then. When I retired to the west coast, I greatly miss the boating I had in Florida. Now, while I live in the 49r’s “zone of influence” I still root for the Bucs. Today will be bitter/sweet for me.
However, I doubt I could live in Florida now since the political climate has so drastically changed. I’m with Todd.
Go Bucs!
October 12th, 2025 at 11:47 am
I think you’re all missing a big factor. I’ve lived here since 1988 and there is always been a large presence of visitor fans. To a large extent it is not travelers. Too many people move here and still root for their native home team. Most of the visiting fans I’ve talked to at games live here. Our neighbors are from the northeast and Midwest to a large extent and those teams fans represent at Bucs games. It’s not the waether that makes them visi but it makes them move here .
October 12th, 2025 at 12:25 pm
I’ve lived in Florida for 51 years. It was a wonderful state in the 1970’s when 8 million people lived here. My wife and I are building a beautiful new custom home in Virginia and will be leaving Florida for good next Spring. I can’t wait!
October 12th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Yup I was at that same San Diego game and could not believe how well my fellow Bucs fans showed up! It was awesome to see / hear.
We were louder than the Chargers fans at various points and it was incredible. Honestly felt louder to me than a lot of home game crowds at Ray Jay…
October 12th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
Over half of those fans at the stadium wearing gear from a North Eastern visiting team live here. It’s the week some of their friends from the old town come down to visit.
I don’t think we need to worry too much about global cooling. Lol
October 12th, 2025 at 1:48 pm
I moved from Tampa to metro Atlanta in 2002. I’m still a Bucs fan and always root against division foes including Falcons. Does that make me a Duemig D – bag? If so, I can live with that.
October 12th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
The Glazers have no idea what the median household income is in Tampa.They have priced my son and I out of the stadium. Previously, I had season tickets for 20 years! Why not give a discount for fans that show up every game? Some people sell tickets to pay for their tickets. If you give this discount (25% of the next years tickets?) combined with price reduction and the stadium will fill up. I guarantee they will still make money.
October 12th, 2025 at 2:06 pm
People come to Florida from all over the United States, Canada and England because- are you ready for it – there are no state taxes. It’s as simple as that. They save a ton of money by having their primary residence in Florida.
Of course all you hear from them is how much better everything is up north ! And they want to tell us everything we are doing wrong down here south of the Mason Dixon line.
Including how we play football. They don’t even root for their new home teams because they think their old home teams are soooo much better.
Well guess what ?? The Eagles had a lot of the above listed fans at the game and they beat us, BUT, we winged em. They’ve lost two in a row since they played the Bucs.
I can’t wait to see a rematch and the good butt whippen the Buccaneers put on the Eagles !!
Well hopefully today, against the 49ers there won’t be half a stadium full of the wrong team fans!! We will soon find out !!
Go Bucs !!!