Tampa Stadium

Tampa Stadium was a major outdoor sports and entertainment venue located in Tampa, Florida. Opened in 1967, it served as the primary home for professional football in the region for over three decades, hosting the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the USFL's Tampa Bay Bandits. The stadium's distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid roof design earned it the enduring nickname "The Big Sombrero."

History

The stadium was conceived in the mid-1960s as part of a civic effort to attract a professional football franchise to the growing Tampa Bay area. Funded by a bond issue and constructed at a cost of $4.2 million, it opened on November 27, 1967, with a University of Tampa football game. Its completion was pivotal in securing an NFL expansion team, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beginning play there in 1976. The facility also briefly hosted the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL and was the home of the Tampa Bay Bandits during the run of the USFL. Management of the venue was handled by the Tampa Sports Authority.

Design and features

Designed by architect Frank L. Stout, the stadium was notable for its innovative hyperbolic paraboloid roof sections that covered the upper decks on each side, creating a wide-brimmed silhouette. This unique architectural feature led to its famous "Big Sombrero" moniker. The original natural grass playing surface was replaced with AstroTurf in 1970 to accommodate a heavier event schedule. Seating capacity expanded from approximately 46,000 at opening to over 74,000 through several renovations, which included the addition of end zone upper decks. The press box and luxury suites were considered modern for their time, though they became outdated compared to newer NFL venues.

Notable events

The stadium hosted numerous significant sporting events, most notably Super Bowl XVIII in 1984 where the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Washington Redskins, and Super Bowl XXV in 1991, famous for the Buffalo Bills' narrow loss to the New York Giants. It was the site of the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl in 1978. Beyond football, it held major World Cup soccer matches in 1994, including a quarterfinal. The venue also saw concerts by major acts like The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson on his Bad Tour, and The Beatles' final official concert in 1966.

Demolition and legacy

After the completion of the new Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers played their final game at the stadium on December 28, 1998. Demolition via implosion occurred in April 1999. The site was redeveloped as part of the expansive Raymond James Stadium parking complex. Its legacy is marked by its role in establishing Tampa as a major league sports city, housing the formative years of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and hosting two Super Bowls. The "Big Sombrero" remains a fondly remembered icon in the region's sports history.

In popular culture

The stadium's distinctive appearance made it a recognizable filming location. It was featured prominently in the 1979 film *The Black Stallion* and in several television productions. Its nickname and image were frequently used in local media and merchandise, cementing its place in the cultural identity of Tampa. The venue also served as the backdrop for key scenes in various sports documentaries chronicling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the USFL, and the history of the Super Bowl.

Category:Defunct stadiums in Florida Category:Sports venues in Tampa, Florida Category:1967 establishments in Florida Category:1999 disestablishments in Florida