Bucs prices spike after winning season

But it could be worse: The team did not hike what they charge for tickets as much as some Super Bowl champions.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 15, 2003

TAMPA -- Tampa Bay fans who purchased all those Super Bowl XXXVII championship flags, T-shirts, hats and DVDs may wish they had saved their money.

It could come in handy when they have to pay more for tickets next season.

The Bucs raised ticket prices Friday for the 2003 season by as much as 11 percent. It's the first increase by team owner Malcolm Glazer in two years and comes after the team's first world championship in 27 seasons.

The new prices for seats at Raymond James Stadium are $65, $55, $49, $40, $36 and $25. Before Friday's increase, prices were $59, $49, $45, $35, $32.90 and $23.

Depending on the seat location, it represents an increase from $2 to $6 per ticket.

For those with a club seat, the cost will be altered according to the terms of the contract.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization is committed to winning another Super Bowl," said Mike Newquist, director of ticket and suite relations. "We are proud to still offer in our ticket pricing a $25 general seat ticket, which remains one of the lowest in the NFL."

The Bucs are not the only champions to raise prices after winning the Super Bowl. The past four have raised prices for the following season between 17 and 60 percent.

Since opening the stadium in 1998, the Bucs have sold out 40 regular-season and two postseason games.

According to the Bucs, there are 50,000 people on the waiting list for season tickets. Only a limited number of single-game tickets are made available each season.

Certainly, the Bucs have rewarded their fans with good football. Since 1998, Tampa Bay has compiled a 30-10 regular-season record and won two playoff games at home.

It would be hard for the Glazers to find a better time to raise ticket prices.

A year ago, the Bucs had lost in the first round of the playoffs in consecutive years, fired coach Tony Dungy, had Bill Parcells renege on a contract and embarked on a bizarre, 36-day search for a new coach.

But after trading four high draft picks to the Raiders for Jon Gruden, everything has come up roses for the Bucs.

In his first season in Tampa Bay, Gruden led the Bucs to a club-record 12-4 mark in the regular season, an NFC South division title, their first conference championship and a Super Bowl title.

In 2003, the Bucs will play host to Dallas, Green Bay, Houston, the New York Giants and Indianapolis, as well as division opponents Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans.

Jacksonville and Houston will visit during the preseason.

About the increase

It is the Buccaneers' first ticket price increase since 2001.

The past four Super Bowl champs raised the average ticket price for the next season between 17 and 60 percent. Average increases for other teams hovered in the 5 to 10 percent range.

Tampa Bay has a season ticket waiting list of more than 50,000 people.

2003 regular season home games: Dallas, Green Bay, Houston, Indianapolis, N.Y. Giants, Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans.

-- Sources: Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Team Marketing Report