Raymond James Stadium renovation project on the boards

Article posted by Coliseum, May 6^th, 2026

Image: Raymond James Stadium, Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

The NFL’s Tampa Bay Bucaneers are preparing the ground for a major Raymond James Stadium renovation project.

The Tampa Bay Times said the Bucaneers have had preliminary meetings with officials from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Sports Authority, marking the first steps toward a significant upgrade of the club’s 29-year-old home.

The Bucaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said in a statement, “I can confirm that we met recently with the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa to discuss developing a long-term plan that supports the stadium’s ability to continue hosting major events which contribute to the success of our region.

“As Raymond James Stadium enters its 29^th year, our goal is to ensure it remains a competitive premier sports and entertainment venue for the Tampa Bay community well into the future.”

The 75,000-capacity Raymond James Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Tampa, Florida, United States. It opened in 1998 and is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) and the University of South Florida Bulls college football program.

Raymond James Stadium has hosted three Super Bowls (2001, 2009 and 2021) and the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2017.

The Bucaneers have less than 10 months to extend their lease for five more years at the stadium that sits just across the street from where Major League Baseball’s Rays hope to construct their new ballpark.

While the rent the Bucaneers pay now will double from $3.5 million a year to $7 million a year, according to terms of their lease extension agreement, it will not go beyond $7 million for another five years.

Stadium upgrades

Upgrades that could be carried out as part of the Raymond James Stadium renovation project include the installation of a canopy to create more shade and the addition of more seats.

Other improvements will likely include immersive technology upgrades such as enhanced video boards.

Eric Hart, the president and CEO of the sports authority, called the initial meeting with the Bucaneers “a productive step” but offered no estimated cost for renovations or where that money would come from. Sources have suggested it could cost as much as $1 billion.

Hart said in a statement, “The 50-year partnership between the Buccaneers and the Tampa Sports Authority has delivered great results for our community.

“Our goal is to continue collaboratively to ensure Raymond James Stadium remains a world class venue, capable of hosting major concerts for decades to come. Our initial meeting was a productive step in discussing the stadium’s long term future and establishing a financially responsible path forward.”

The last Raymond James Stadium renovation project came in 2016-18 and cost $160 million, most of it coming from the Glazer family which owns the Bucaneers. The sports authority, which is funded by Hillsborough County, contributed $29 million.

At least 10 NFL teams are either undergoing major stadium renovations, building new venues or recently had a new one open.

Carolina, Baltimore and Jacksonville are undergoing major renovations. Tennessee, Buffalo and Washington have new stadiums under construction.

Chicago and Kansas City are in the midst of searches for new stadium sites. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas both opened in 2020.

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