Officials search for location for fans to watch together

TAMPA -- Bucs fans might be able to watch Sunday's Super Bowl next to thousands of screaming people without traveling to San Diego.

But only if officials find a suitable venue. The obvious choice, Raymond James Stadium, appears to be out of the mix.

Officials with the Tampa Sports Authority on Tuesday said the stadium's large video scoreboard can't receive television signals. When they've tried, part of the broadcast image is cut off.

And most Bucs representatives, who would have to approve a mass broadcast, have left town.

Tampa Mayor Dick Greco is scrambling to find a venue for at least one public airing of the game. He said he will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today with the Bucs and the Sports Authority to discuss possibilities.

"I would like to see some place or a couple of places where people could gather to watch the game," he said. "But it's not going to be that easy."

Sports Authority board members said they hoped something could be worked out. "It's such a community event," said Jim Norman, who also is a county commissioner. "I'm excited about what you're talking about."

Another consideration is the St. Pete Times Forum, which also has a large video scoreboard that, apparently, doesn't have the same technological glitch. The problem there is a rodeo, which takes place Friday and Saturday.

Rodeo organizers have the venue reserved for a Sunday religious service. That means the dirt would have to be removed and the arena prepared for a new crowd in time for the early evening kickoff.

"It would be difficult, but we're trying to figure something out," said Sean Henry, vice president of operations with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which operates the arena. "Anything that is good for the community, we try to accomplish. It would be a lot of fun."