The Tampa Bay Bucs want a nicer stadium. Also, they want the right to play more games away from it.
Among the sticking points for a stadium upgrade – one that was submitted only two weeks ago – would be the right to play a second game each season away from Raymond James Stadium. As it is, the Bucs have the right to take an extra game to a neutral site – overseas, perhaps – as it did with its series in London in recent years.
The current lease requires the TSA to fund approximately $26 million for capital repairs and updates for the stadium, which opened in 1998 and also serves as the football home for the University of South Florida.
Under the club’s proposal, which includes significant enhancements to the TSA’s original plans, the Bucs would be responsible for making a private investment that could approach $75 million.
“Over the last nine months, we have conducted very positive discussions with the Tampa Sports Authority regarding state-of-the-art upgrades to ensure that Raymond James Stadium remains among the best venues in all of sports,’’ Brian A. Ford Jr., chief operating officer, said in a statement. “In our discussions, we have communicated our interest in making a substantial private investment of approximately $52-75 million to enhance the current stadium plans.’’
Still, that’s going to take some convincing. An NFL team plays only eight regular season games at home a year, and the dates are considered precious.
According to The Tampa Tribune, the Bucs have also agreed to waive the balance of the practice facility fund, foregoing an $11.6 million obligation by the TSA, and proposed that the profit split threshold for other events at the stadium besides Bucs games be reduced from $2 million to $1.5 million.
The TSA has countered by asking for a reduction in the threshold to $1 million.
In a response to the team on Sept. 22, the TSA said the right to play a second home game each season outside of the Bay area should be contingent upon Tampa being awarded a Super Bowl during the remaining term of the agreement or a written agreement by Premier League soccer club Manchester United to play a match at the stadium.
