Raymond James Stadium Parking Tips Guide in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League play their home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. If you attend an upcoming event at this venue, have a good parking plan!

This detailed Raymond James Stadium parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Raymond James Stadium parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Raymond James Stadium you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Tampa
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Tampa Bay Buccaneers events
• Other valuable Raymond James Stadium parking tips to save time and money

Knowing how you’ll get to and from Raymond James Stadium is a critical part of your outing, whether for a football game, a concert, or some other event. Use the information below to make a smart plan!

Related Parking Guides:

• Amalie Arena (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)

Official Raymond James Stadium Parking Lots

The property around Raymond James Stadium offers somewhere around 10,000 parking spaces. Parking can be purchased directly from the venue in advance of events, and additional parking may remain available to purchase when you arrive on the day of a game or concert.

No cash is accepted if you choose to pay for parking when you arrive, so have another form of payment available. 

Main Parking Lots 

Most of the real estate reserved for the stadium and associated parking lots runs north and south between Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue. The lots named with letters – A, B, C, and D – are closest to the stadium, while numbered lots are just a short walk away. 

Unlike many other NFL venues across the league, buying official parking on a single-game basis for Tampa Bay Buccaneers games is usually possible. You can use Ticketmaster to purchase parking spots in some of the various lots on the property. Typically, only spots in the lots scattered further from the stadium will be available, as most of the closer lots are filled up with season ticket holders.

Lots A, B, C and D

These premium lots are located on the four sides of the stadium. They are most expensive, but you don’t have to cross any roads because you will be so close to the stadium.

Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4

These lots are located north of the stadium on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. Lots 1 and 2 provide the most space and give an easy exit afterward.

Lots 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9

These lots are all south of the stadium. They circle a cluster of MLB spring training ball diamonds that are in the area.

Lots 11 and 12

I think these are underrated parking lots at Raymond James Stadium to consider. They are west of the stadium off of Tampa Bay Boulevard.

For the 2023 season, you can expect to pay $50 to park in the main lots when you buy in advance. However, that price can be higher if you find an available spot in a closer lot. And, if you wish to reserve a spot in the RV lot, expect to pay over $100. 

EV Parking at Raymond James Stadium

EV charging is not readily available at Raymond James Stadium or in the surrounding area. If you are driving an EV to the game or concert you are attending, make sure to charge up in advance so you don’t have to worry about running out of power before you get back home. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

There are accessible parking spaces in some of the lots close to the stadium entrances. That includes lots A/3D on the west side of the stadium, as well as Lots B and C on the east side of the property.

ADA parking is not sold in advance, and you will need to have your ADA permit on hand to secure one of these spots. Since they are available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s best to arrive as early as possible before the event you are attending. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium offers a significant inventory of on-site parking for guests. Many people who check out the stadium will simply park in one of the official lots.

If you want to look at other options, the SpotHero widget on this page will reveal several options.

Given the residential nature of much of the area around the stadium, there are limited third-party parking choices available. That said, you can pick from a couple just a short distance to the east of the stadium.

My favorite third-party lot is the lawn lot at 3407 West Heiter. It’s only a five-minute walk from here to the stadium, and you might be able to exit quicker after the event than if you parked in one of the official lots. You can expect the pricing to be the same here as on stadium property. 

Free Parking at Raymond James Stadium

It’s unlikely that you will be able to find free parking around Raymond James Stadium on the day of an event. In addition to the crowds gathering for the game or concert, the Tampa International Airport is also immediately west of the stadium. This means even more crowds and traffic crowding the area and limiting parking options.

If you don’t want to pay for parking, use an alternative mode of transportation and leave your car at home. 

Public Transportation to Raymond James Stadium 

Given the location of Raymond James Stadium, which is away from the downtown area of Tampa, there are limited public transportation options to consider.

However, the HART Route 7 bus does serve this West Tampa area, with a stop within walking distance of the stadium.

Use the HCC – Dale Mabry Campus stop, and you’ll only be a short walk from the gates. 

Ridesharing to Raymond James Stadium

You’ll want to get dropped off and picked up in the Steinbrenner lot to the west of the stadium to use a rideshare service for a Buccaneers game. This parking lot is right in front of George Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. 

Raymond James Stadium Events

For some people, the football games at Raymond James Stadium are the headlining events throughout the year. For others, however, concerts aren’t to be missed. Whatever you want to see at this venue, use our table to find tickets and start planning a memorable outing.

Tailgating near Raymond James Stadium

The official lots at Raymond James Stadium do allow tailgating activities. As long as you have a valid parking pass for the game day, you can tailgate with friends and other fans until the game starts. However, those activities need to be limited to your parking spot, and the driving lanes need to be left free for emergency vehicles. 

Check out the Bucs VIP Tailgate Pavilion outside of traditional tailgating in one of the official lots. You will have to buy a ticket to attend this event before each game, but it includes food and drinks, a live DJ, lounge seating, a gaming area, and much more.

The VIP Tailgate is just a short walk from the stadium, but note that purchasing a ticket to this pregame experience does not include parking. 

Raymond James Stadium Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Everyone who attends big events has a horror story about a parking nightmare that caused them to miss the start of the game or concert. Or, if you got in on time, it might have taken you hours to leave after it was over. 

Let’s review some basic parking tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Raymond James Stadium.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

The greater Tampa Bay area is a sprawling metropolis with plenty of traffic, especially for weeknight games. Plan your day to get to the stadium early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Raymond James Stadium has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are tons of parking spaces available in the area around Raymond James Stadium. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture or your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Don’t Leave Things in Your Vehicle

With so many vehicles left unattended for hours, there is always the threat of criminal activity while an event is going on. To reduce the chances of theft, leave any valuable items at home, or at least tuck them away out of sight in your car or truck. And, of course, remember to lock up! 

Look At a Map

This might sound a little old school in the age of GPS, but looking at the map of the area around the stadium before you leave can help you understand where you’ll be going and how everything is laid out. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending an event at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa requires careful planning, particularly regarding parking. This comprehensive parking tips guide for Tampa Bay provides valuable information on various parking options, including official stadium lots, third-party lots, free parking areas, and accessible parking spaces.

Our guide emphasizes arriving early to beat traffic and knowing the stadium’s policies. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing at Raymond James Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Raymond James Stadium (FAQs)