TAMPA, Fla. — Now that the Buccaneers are officially Super Bowl LV Champions, it’s time to plan a citywide celebration for this historic win.
“We can’t have a historical event of this significance in our community and not celebrate,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
Safety is the main priority for Mayor Castor, COVID-19 is still a very big issue plaguing the city. She said that means whatever celebration we have, won’t be as grand as she’d like to to be. It will be a celebration worthy of a “Super Bowl title.”
“Having it outdoors, that decreases the risk of spreading COVID-19,” she said. “We are looking at what will be the best option to allow the most people to participate and do it safely.”
It’s a good thing Tampa already has experience planning a championship celebration during a pandemic. Back in September, instead of the normal street parade, the Tampa Lightning’s got a boat parade.
“That was unique,” Mayor Castor said. “Whenever the Stanley Cup comes in danger of falling in the river you know you’ve got a unique celebration.”
Organizers said the boat parade was the safest way to do it and keep as many people safe as possible. The fans who watched along the Riverwalk had to stay socially distant and wear masks.
ABC Action News asked the mayor if the city will do the same for the Bucs.
“We will keep the mask mandate and social distance,” she said. “We are already talking about plans. I hope to have information for you tomorrow or Wednesday.”
