With their crosstown MLB team working towards a new stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have put forth a proposal for much-needed improvements to their current home. The franchise owned by the Glazer family has played at Raymond James Stadium for the last 28 years and has won two Lombardi Trophies in that tenure. However, now with an eye toward the future, the Bucs’ ownership has taken the first step toward the renovation of their home stadium.

“The Bucs plan to meet with the Tampa Sports Authority next week to discuss a sweeping renovation of Raymond James Stadium, a project that is expected to carry a price tag approaching $1 billion,” The Tampa Bay Times reported. “The Bucs have talked openly about the fact that their 28-year-old NFL stadium will need major renovations soon. To this point, those discussions have remained internal.”

The stadium is owned by Sports Authority, and hence, the Buccaneers have to pay $3.5 million in rent, which is expected to jump up to $7 million if the first lease extension option is exercised before the 2027 deadline. When asked about the Bucs’ proposal, Sports Authority CEO Eric Hart drew attention to recent examples of the newest NFL stadiums in Nashville, Buffalo, and Las Vegas, which cost around $2 billion each.

“Look around the country, and you can see what’s happening around in these arenas and the kind of money it’s taken to keep them state-of-the-art,” Hart said. “They’re significant, but they’re also big economic engines.”

The demand from the Glazers about the significant renovations stems from the fact that the ownership group poured most of the $160 million investment in renovations for Raymond James between 2016 and 2018. Subsequently, the Tampa Sports Authority, which is funded by Hillsborough County, also contributed $29 million.

The upgrades consisted of advanced video boards and refurbishments in the East and West clubs, luxury suites, the concourse, locker rooms, and the team store. However, the stadium requires significant renovation, as these venues typically last between 30 and 50 years. Hence, the Bucs will need a backup venue for their home games once renovations begin and could soon join a Florida rival, who is moving forward with a similar plan.

Buccaneers eye Jaguars’ temporary venue if renovations begin at James stadium

If and when the renovations for Raymond James Stadium start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be required to find a new venue until the work is done. Hence, the Tampa Bay Times has reported that the franchise could eye the Camping World Stadium, which will be the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars while they build their $1.4 billion “stadium of the future.”

“NFL owners Tuesday approved the Jaguars’ request to play their 2027 home games at Camping World Stadium in Orlando to accommodate the EverBank Stadium renovations,” Tampa Bay Times reported. “The 65,000-seat Orlando venue will host seven to eight games. It’s likely that Camping World Stadium would be the preferred site for the Bucs as well.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken their first public step toward a major renovation of Raymond James Stadium. With talks set to begin with the Tampa Sports Authority, the nearly $1 billion project is moving forward. Camping World Stadium is the likely temporary home for the team once construction begins.