TAMPA, Fla. — Just over a week from today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make history as the first team to ever play in a super bowl on their home turf. It’ll no doubt be an exciting day for the city, but people are spending the week leading up to it building that excitement.
It’s been a nearly non-stop party every day since Friday at Curtis Hixon Park. It’s a celebration open to everybody, free of charge, and unlike the celebration at Julian B. Lane, no reservation is needed.
Thousands of Bucs fans headed out there Saturday, and there were even a handful of Kansas City Chiefs fans, too. But the Bucs fans are certain their team will keep the Lombardi Trophy in Tampa.
“I’m very positive we’re going to beat the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Manuel Baez, a local Bucs fan.
The party at Curtis Hixon spilled out onto the streets of Downtown Tampa, too, providing a boost for businesses in the area.
“We opened on Friday the 13th of March, unfortunately, 6 days later we were closed by the state,” said Robert Wickner, Proprietor for Butter’s Burgers.
Butter’s Burgers sports bar started off the new year a little better than last, and is cheering on the home team while they do it.
“You just have to pinch yourself and just say ‘wow, we’re here in Tampa, and it’s happening,’” said Wickner.
If you'd like to attend the Super Bowl Experience at Curtis Hixon Park, this is the schedule:
- Sunday, January 31, 2021: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Monday, February 1, 2021: CLOSED
- Tuesday, February 2, 2021: CLOSED
- Wednesday, February 3, 2021: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday, February 4, 2021: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Friday, February 5, 2021 : 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday, February 6, 2021: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Those 18 years of age and older who attend will have to register on the NFL OnePass app. Each adult that registers can be accompanied by up to 5 minors, and can also be accompanied by one other adult.
