Brush up on your Buccaneers knowledge ahead of the new NFL season
Are you going to a Bucs game this year? | Photo by TBAYtoday
It’s time to brush the cobwebs off that pewter gray jersey that’s been in the back of your closet for eight months. Buccaneers football is back.
Whether you’ve been doomscrolling for contract updates all summer, or can’t quite remember the quarterback’s name, we’re here to get you up to speed and help you impress your friends at the next watch party. Here are a few key phrases to add to your roster (and what they mean):
“The Bucs did good business in the offseason.”
Yes they did. When the 2023 season ended with a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Detroit Lions, several key players were set to become free agents. That means their contracts were running out.
Since then, legendary wide receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, and defensive star Antoine Winfield Jr. all signed new deals with the team. Standout offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs wasn’t happy with his compensation a couple months back, but has since penned a new five-year deal to secure his TBAY future.
“Mike Evans is so underrated.”
He is indeed. Last year, Evans became the first player to record 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. The 31-year-old has never played for another NFL team, and should be a strong contender for a Hall of Fame spot when he hangs up his cleats.
“It’s a big year for Todd Bowles.”
That’s the head coach. It’s Bowles’ third year in the role, and so far in his tenure, he’s won one playoff game. With senior players getting new aforementioned contracts, he’s got the guys he wants. If that’s not enough pressure, there’s also a crop of young talent in the roster. The Bucs have the third-youngest squad in the NFL, meaning a disappointing season could pave the way for a new era in 2025.
The Bucs’ first game is this Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. the Washington Commanders.
Asked
How far will the Bucs go this season?
A. See you at the Super Bowl B. Here comes another playoff run C. Could make the playoffs D. I don’t have high hopes
Free Tuesday | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa | Free | Bring the whole family free of charge to explore the downtown museum’s interactive exhibits + educational activities.
Artist Lecture Series featuring JUJMO | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 6-7 p.m. | Imagine Museum, St. Pete | $5 | Listen to an inspiring talk from the Tampa-based artist + muralist.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins | Tuesday, Sept. 3-Thursday, Sept. 5 | Times vary | Tropicana Field | $10+ | The Rays’ homestand continues against the Twins, with one eye turning to the postseason.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Square at Lykes Gaslight Park, Tampa | Price of purchase | Make your lunch break more interesting with eats from a local food truck at this monthly event.
Natural Wine & Cheese Tasting with Nada Wine | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, St. Pete | $35 | Learn about natural wines and pair them with cheesy delights.
Childish Gambino | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $131+ | The talented Donald Glover brings his musical prowess to the Cigar City stage.
Speaking of the Bucs, the team’s value rose by ~33% from 2023 to 2024. Sportico’s analysis found the Tampa Bay team is now worth $5.14 billion. That places the Buccaneers as the No. 16 most valuable franchise in the NFL. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
A new restaurant is about to hit St. Pete’s foodie scene. Cybel will open in Historic Kenwood this month, serving up French-Moroccan cuisine, including tagine, French-inspired tacos, shawarma, plus pastries + coffee. (St. Pete Rising)
Kids
The Museum of Science and Industry is launching a new exhibit later this month, and it’s not for the faint of heart. “Grossology” explores the human body with interactive activities like a human skin-appearing climbing wall, a life-sized game of Operation, and in-depth exploration of human organs. (That’s So Tampa)
Development
Treasure Island is getting an upscale penthouse-only condo complex. The Pearl will boast four penthouses with 4,000+ sqft each and 180º ocean views at 10126 Gulf Blvd. Set to open late next year, each unit is currently listed for $5.5 million. (St. Pete Rising)
Show
Will you accept this rose? Ferg’s Sports Bar is hosting a watch party for “The Bachelorette” finale tonight, with the show starting at 8 p.m. Bring your friends down for what’s sure to be, as always, the most dramatic ending yet.
Listen
How did the Rays do this past weekend? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
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