TAMPA — A potential $100 million renovation project for Raymond James Stadium appears close to fruition except for three sticking points, including a request by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the right to play two regular-season home games elsewhere every season, beginning in 2018.
The team’s current agreement with the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) runs until 2028, and chief operating officer Brian Ford has been trying to negotiate a stadium renovation agreement since January.
The current lease requires the TSA to fund approximately $26 million for capital repairs and updates for the stadium, which opened in 1998 and also serves as the football home for the University of South Florida.