Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tickets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tickets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Keep Trying Until They Get It Right

NFL expansion brought professional football to western Florida in 1976 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the league. Despite its location in Florida, the franchise was part of the AFC West division during 1976. In 1977, it was switched to NFC Central. The struggling franchise suffered through 26 consecutive losses before recording its first victory during the 13th week of its second season.

The losing streak came to an end in 1977 in New Orleans. The victory led to the firing of the Saint's head coach Hank Stram. They scored their second victory in the season finale against the St. Louis Cardinals and again, the opposing team fired head coach Don Coryell not long afterward.

John McKay served as head coach from the time they entered the NFL through the 1984 season. J. K. McKay played wide receiver during the time the club was coached by his dad from 1976-1979.

The dream season of 2002 saw the team record 12 victories and just four losses. It was their best record to date and they went on to face the Oakland Raiders and the best offense in the league in Super Bowl XXXVII. They dominated their opponents with a 48-21 victory in a game nicknamed "The Pirate Bowl". The first touchdown was run into the end zone by Mike Alstott, who played his first two years on the team with his name missing the first "t" on the back of his jersey.

The organization has seen their fair share of talent go on to be successful with other teams. Doug Williams, Steve Young and Trent Dilfer all played quarterback for Tampa Bay before going on to win Super Bowls elsewhere.

The organization played home games in Tampa Stadium until Raymond James Stadium became its home field in 1998. The stadium is known for its strategic placement of the visiting team's bench facing east. This ensures that the opponents have the sun in their eyes when the games start at one o'clock in the afternoon.

Buccaneers Tickets