Buccaneers Fan Fest on Saturday

Okay, it’s been awhile since the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in early 2003. But if you’ve spent a long time in Tampa, you remember all the years before that—orange uniforms, jokes and double-digit years of double-digit losses. Right now the team is competitive and missing the playoffs last year was a disappointment. I remember when a winning record—playoffs or not—was grounds for a parade. Expectations are higher because the team is better.

So if you’re ready for some football, the team’s annual Fan Fest event is this Saturday. It’s a chance for fans to meet players and coaches, get autographs, check out the stadium and see the cheerleaders perform. There will be on-field games and activities and you can even see the Lombardi Trophy from the aforementioned championship run. Best of all, the event is free.

Professional football is a lot of fun, but it isn’t cheap. This might be your only chance to get to the stadium and see the players without unnecessary roughness to your wallet.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m., and if you want autographs from the most popular players, you should get there early. In case you didn’t know, Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The event runs until 2 p.m.