EventChaser

 

The ACC 2008 Championship Game

This Championship game will be played at Raymond James Stadium again in 2009. The 2008 ACC Championship Game featured the Screaming Eagles of Boston College (17th ranked) and the Hokies of Virginia Tech (25th ranked). Virginia Tech won the game 30-12, and was rewarded with a bid to the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami. The Hokies will take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on New Year’s Day.

With an expected attendance of 50,000 there were plenty of seats available for the game. The crowd was made up of Tampa locals, travel groups from Boston College and Virginia Tech and a good number of Florida State fans who had purchased tickets in hopes of seeing their Seminoles play. The weather was gorgeous, in the mid-70’s with beautiful blue Florida skies. Tailgate parties were plentiful in the parking lots which was good, as no alcohol was available inside Raymond James. Parking for this event was $20.

Entertainment was plentiful before during and after the game, including the ACC Fan Fest, two great Marching Bands, parachute jumpers, a military flyover and a post game concert by country star Blake Shelton.

 

Weather

Weather for fall games should be typical fall weather for Central Florida – mild and dry with daytime highs in the 70s, cooler nights and clear skies. You may want to bring a jacket and check Tampa weather before heading down to the Stadium.

Raymond James is an excellent facility for football. Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the University of South Florida Bulls, there are no bad seats. Refreshments and restroom facilities are plentiful. There is even a touch of Disney, in the form of a Pirate Ship, complete with cannon located in the east end zone.

 

Local Eats

The area around Raymond James has several restaurants. However, the immediate area is not a premium spot for dining.

Some spots worth checking out:

• Lee Roy Selmon’s (4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd. South Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 871-3287) serves bar-bq and other hearty southern favorites in a sports bar atmosphere.
• NoHo Bistro (1714 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33697 (813) 514-0691) is an upscale but friendly neighborhood bistro with fabulous food and style to spare.
• Brasilia Grill (5302 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 (813) 872-7048) serving the best Brazilian cuisine in all of Tampa Bay. You might want to call in advance. I was unable to find an official website to link to for Brasilia Grill.

There are many restaurants located in the area around the Stadium. Many can be found on Dale Mabry Avenue. The International Mall has numerous dining spots, such as the Bamboo Club Asian Bistro, The Cheesecake Factory, Blue Martini, and the nationally acclaimed Capital Grill. Westshore Plaza is home to many restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s, Mitchell’s Steak House, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

Other easy to reach entertainment spots around the Stadium include the Ybor City and Channelside club areas downtown, and Hyde Park, known for its eclectic restaurants and art galleries.

Events related to Super Bowl XLIII can be found by visiting the online calendar of public events on the Tampa Bay Super Bowl website. The site includes information on events taking place throughout Tampa Bay in the month leading up to the championship game on February 1, 2009.

 

Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New Years Day Outback Bowl, and the University of South Florida Bulls. The stadium will be host to Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009.

 

Getting To the Game

The main roads leading to Raymond James Stadium are all main thoroughfares with business places on the main routes, and side streets feeding into residential neighborhoods. Because of the natural configuration of the City of Tampa around the Bay, there are very few shortcuts, and you should stick to main streets. The easiest way to get to the Stadium is by driving.

If you are using a GPS, the stadium address is: 4201 Dale Mabry Highway North Tampa, Florida.

Parking Tips
Allow yourself plenty of time to reach the surrounding areas of Raymond James and the surrounding parking lots.

Parking Lots

• Lots will open three hours prior to event.
• Tents larger than 10′ x 10′ are not permitted.
• Call for specific events.
• Saving spaces is not permitted.
• Parking attendants will instruct all patrons where to park as they enter the designated lot.
• Please follow parking attendant’s direction.

RVs, Buses and Campers
For all other events, RVs, buses and campers are allowed to park on stadium property in Lot 8. Refer to the Raymond James Stadium Map for lot location. RVs, buses and campers are not permitted to stay on any stadium lots over night.

Parking Prices
Prices vary by event. The fee for Buccaneers home games is $25 per space for cars and motorcycles. RVs, buses and campers are $50-70 depending upon vehicle size. The fee for the Outback Bowl is $15 for cars, $30 for campers and limousines, and $40 for buses. Most other events are $10, $25, and $35.

Handicap Parking is located in parking lots C and is first-come, first-serve. Vehicles must have a handicap license plate or visible placard.

Taxis await guests at the Dale Mabry mass transit on the northeast corner of the stadium.

 

Tailgating

Fans are allowed to tailgate in the area surrounding their vehicle. You can only occupy one parking space per parking pass. Open flames and individual tents are prohibited.

 

Pre-Game Activities

A wide variety of game related activities are available. The ACC FanFest will be held from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:30 – 7:30 PM. Billed as the biggest party on Championship Weekend, ACC FanFest will have 200,000 sq. ft. of food, beverage, food, mascots, and general family fun. The evening session features the FedEx Orange Bowl Official Invitation Presentation to the ACC Champ, and a live concert by country music star Blake Shelton! All activities take place at Raymond James Stadium in Lot 6D.

 

Raymond James Stadium Policies

You can find plenty of information reguarding the do and don’ts of Raymond James Stadium by visiting the Raymond James Stadium Policies/Security webpage.