Co-owner Joel Glazer says the Bucs are looking to upgrade their NFL venue, which opened in 1998.
Bucs co-owner Joel Glazer stands in Raymond James Stadium on a game day. The team's lease expires in 2028. "We’re constantly looking at the stadium, constantly looking at how we can improve it."
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Published 10 minutes ago|Updated 6 minutes ago
PALM BEACH — The Tampa Bay Rays are playing at Steinbrenner Field, just a couple long flyballs away from Raymond James Stadium.
The Bucs and Rays currently share a parking lot that is connected by a pedestrian bridge over Dale Mabry Highway.
But the commonality doesn’t stop there.
As the Rays search for a new home, the Bucs are planning a massive renovation to Raymond James Stadium, co-owner Joel Glazer confirmed Tuesday.
Speaking at the conclusion of the NFL’s annual meetings, Glazer admitted they are focused on improving RayJay and evaluating their options for the stadium that opened in 1998.
Bucs co-owner Joel Glazer acknowledged the team is looking at a major renovation to Raymond James Stadium but they have not completely communicated those plans to Hillsborough County but he said there has been dialogue. pic.twitter.com/hlEm6t7ss8— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 1, 2025
“It’s something you’re always looking at because the fan experience is so important in the NFL, in all sports,” Glazer said. “So we’re constantly looking at the stadium, constantly looking at how we can improve it. We did stuff about six years ago, but now it’s six years later and there’s been a lot of new stadiums built, a lot of different renovations done. Some advances.
“So we’re currently looking at all those types of things and evaluating it. There will be a time and a place but we will always want to improve the stadium and keep it up to the highest standards.”
However, Hillsborough County officials have indicated that they haven’t had much communication with the Bucs or the Glazer family about their stadium plans.
“I’ve heard people say there’s been no communication,” Glazer said. “That’s actually not very accurate. You know, we’re going through a phase right now where we’re assessing the stadium, what might be needed. I know they’re assessing the stadium and what might be needed. Once both of us are done with our assessments, then we come together and work through things.
“We’ve always had an excellent relationship with everybody at the (Tampa Sports Authority). They do great. They do a great job at Hillsborough County and that’s the process that’s happening right now. ... It’s just patiently working through what everybody has to do. It’s such an important part of the community, the other events that come to town. My God, Taylor Swift came to town and all the concerts we have so there’s multiple people affected by it. Not just us, but tourism and everything like that. We’ve got to make sure we all come together and meet the needs of what’s necessary.”
Taylor Swift is among the popular musicians who has held major, sold-out concerts at at Raymond James Stadium.
A critical decision is looming on the fate of Raymond James with the Bucs’ lease set to expire in 2028. By that time, the stadium will be 30 years old, well past the expiration date of many NFL venues.
In addition, the Glazers want to help Tampa Bay attract Super Bowls and college football national championship games.
Meanwhile, the vacant parcel of land south of RayJay, Lot 14, remains a valuable piece of real estate and one that could provide a solution for the Rays’ stadium search.
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Glazer was asked Tuesday if they considered that lot off limits to the Rays and was evasive.
“In our area, we’re always looking to improve everything around us, improve the community,” he said. “Our focus right now is the Buccaneers and what needs to happen there so we can bring Super Bowls and everything there and that’s what we’re working through.”
Glazer hit on several other topics Tuesday, including the state of the team, reinstalling Jon Gruden into the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, re-signing their own stars and the team’s 50th anniversary.
On the 2024 season
“I thought there were a lot of positives last year. We had a good season. Obviously, we didn’t accomplish the ultimate goal we wanted to accomplish. But consistent, even when we kind of had that down streak in the middle, games were very, very close.
“Hey, in the NFL you want to be playing your best football from November on and that’s what we were doing. To see the team jelling, coming together as a group and there’s a lot to build on. That to me is the most exciting part.”
On the team’s chemistry
“I’m never going to say overachieved, underachieved. The key was watching the team progress, watching the team grow as the season went on. Watching the young players contribute and grow and there’s chemistry on this team. People talk about chemistry all the time but I walked into training camp last year, I honestly have never seen the chemistry that exists among these players and this is a great group. That’s a key element.”
On bringing back their own stars
One of the Bucs biggest moves ahead of free agency was signing wide receiver Chris Godwin to a new deal.
“Think that’s part of our culture. We like to develop our own players. We like to add players as well. But when you develop your own players and they’re the right people, and they’re involved in the community and they produce on the field, you know, that’s special. There’s a special connection between the fans and the team. You want that, which helps on Sundays.”
On Gruden going back into the Ring of Honor
“Sometimes things that happened in the past, you look at it and say, ‘Well, you know, we’ve got to look at it again and see if it’s the right thing to do.’ In this case, Jon is such a big part of our history and that’s what led to that decision.”
On the team’s 50th anniversary
“It means everything. Just when you ask that question, you know, we’ve (the owners) been around 30 years and it’s been a wonderful ride. But there’s nothing like the NFL. There’s nothing like game day. There’s nothing like interacting with our fans, the community. And when it’s all going well, it’s just a special feeling to see people happy and thrilled and excited, coming together, it’s what it’s all about.
Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates with fans after catching a touchdown. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
“I will sit there — family members will sit there on certain game days — and we see great things happening. You know, you get almost teary-eyed because you just see how happy it makes everybody. The Buccaneers are such an important part of the community. Being able to be a part of it, being able to be involved, being able to help lead the team and guide it, it’s an honor, it’s a special responsibility and it’s so meaningful."
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Rick Stroud is a sports reporter covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reach him at rstroud@tampabay.com.