Sunday, April 25, 2010

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida


An aerial view of Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tamp Bay Buccaneers and site of Superbowl XXXV.

unused, bought in 2010

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Raymond James Stadium was built primarily to replace the aging Houlihan's Stadium, formerly located adjacent to the property. It is located on the former site of the now–demolished Al Lopez Field. Once completed, the final cost of the stadium was $168.5 million, publicly financed. It was known as Tampa Community Stadium during construction, but the naming rights were bought for $32.5 million for a thirteen–year deal by St. Petersburg-based Raymond James Financial in June 1998. On April 27, 2006 an extension was signed to maintain naming rights through 2015.

The stadium officially opened on September 20, 1998, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears, 27–15.

The largest crowd ever recorded in Raymond James Stadium came on October 9, 2009, with U2’s 360ยบ Tour. More than 72,000 people were in attendance.

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