The Buccaneers and Tampa Sports Authority have reached a tentative agreement that would result in a comprehensive renovation of Raymond James Stadium. The multi-stage renovation plan is expected to exceed $100M and must receive approval from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, and the TSA BOD. The TSA’s contribution to the overall project is $28.8M, of which $25.8M was already required of the TSA to maintain Raymond James Stadium. The additional $3M was agreed upon to further enlarge and enhance the initial proposed new videoboards. The proposed first stage of the renovations are scheduled to be completed for the '16 season. The centerpiece of the first phase of projects will be the installation of new, state-of-the-art HD videoboards in each end zone, four HD tower video displays in each corner of the lower bowl and HD ribbon boards in the center ring of the suite level. The Buccaneers are committed to spend a minimum of $29M on Phase 1 improvements and $28.8M on Phase 2, combined with the TSA’s $28.8M. Additional enhancements are expected to be added, which would put the total project in excess of $100M. The Buccaneers would be responsible for all costs of any additional enhancements (Buccaneers). WTVT-Fox' Alcides Segui notes a second phase of renovations "would include renovations of the club lounges, expansions of the general concourses, a team store and other fan enhancements." This phase is "expected to be completed" for the '17 season. In addition, the renovations "would increase the likelihood of Tampa hosting a Super Bowl" in '19 or '20. The Buccaneers "would also be able to move preseason games elsewhere" in '16 and '17. The team in '18 "can play one preseason and one regular season game away." The Buccaneers "also agreed to forgive" the $11.6M the team said that the county "owed them" (FOX13NEWS.com, 12/2).
