When the Bucs take the field for the upcoming season and gaze out into the stands, it will look much different than the last time there was a packed crowd in attendance.

Pre Covid-19, Raymond James Stadium served as more of a travel destination for opposing team’s fans. The lower bowl would be filled with the opposition’s jerseys, failing to provide a real home field advantage for Tampa Bay. Since 2006 the Bucs have routinely had some of the worst attendance rankings in the league, finishing 30th overall in 2019. With a seating capacity of 65,890, the team hasn’t come close to filling that since 2008, when they averaged 64,511 fans in attendance. In fact, over the last ten years the Bucs have only finished higher than 29th in attendance twice.

Raymond James Stadium – Photo by: PR

Something has been lacking in past years. Largely due to their 12 consecutive playoff-less seasons, Tampa Bay hasn’t had a great stadium atmosphere. Speaking with Texans cornerback Keion Crossen, who played at Raymond James in 2019, he said, “I can tell you what did stand out was the lack of fans in the stadium, that was a rough one.”

That should all change this year. For the first time in franchise history, the Bucs have sold out their entire stadium before training camp even begins. The demand for tickets is so high Tampa Bay utilized a waiting list for the first time since 2003.

So, what does this all mean?

For the first time in years, the Bucs are expected to feel a real home field advantage. The stadium will be packed with red, white and pewter jerseys, with some creamsicles thrown in for good measure. The atmosphere will be buzzing off the high of a Super Bowl championship season. And the crowd will be roaring behind their team.

The impact fans can have on the players shouldn’t be taken lightly. Look at venues like Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City or the 12th man in Seattle. From the crowd noise making it difficult for opposing offenses, to feeding off the energy fans bring, a full capacity home crowd can make the opposing team’s job much more difficult.

But with a sellout crowd comes higher expectations. How will the Bucs handle the pressure that comes with success? They are saying all the right things, being “the hunters instead of the hunted”, blocking out the noise, getting back to work. Acknowledging that this is a new team that hasn’t done anything yet. But they know what is at stake. Even with one of the league’s “easiest” schedules, repeating as champions will be no small task.

Crazy enough, in an area the team could stand to improve, a sellout crowd should help. Last season the Bucs were better on the road than they were at home, winning nine away games compared to just six at home (including the playoffs). The Bucs three highest-scoring outputs of the season also came on the road, and their two toughest losses at home.

The Bucs can improve that home record right out of the gate in the season opener against the high-powered Cowboys. But when Tampa Bay runs onto the field this year, they won’t be greeted by a stadium packed with visitors. Instead it’ll be a sea of proud red, white and pewter jerseys filling Raymond James. It’ll be a game day atmosphere other teams will begin to respect.

How can this Bucs team be better in 2021? Having a true home field advantage may just be part of the answer.