Limited capacity leaves season pass members out for 2020

The 2020 NFL season was expected to be one of the best the Buccaneers have ever had. If not in their record, at least it was guaranteed to be in season ticket sales. The acquisition of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski was the stimulus package the Buccaneers organization was hoping for, which had seemed to pay off....until now.

The excitement and extremely high demand resulted in a near sellout situation on a Season Pass basis for all home games this season. We had hoped to have Raymond James Stadium filled with valued Season Pass Members like yourself to welcome Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to Tampa and provide an unmatched home field advantage.

That’s what Buccaneers COO Brian Ford stated in a letter released to season pass members Thursday morning. He addressed members and lays out the guidelines for what the 2020 season pass membership will look like.

We thank you for the incredible patience and support you have shown our organization for the last several months, as we have continued to adjust to the difficult effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on everyday life.

Based on the current social distancing guidelines and fan safety protocols developed by health experts, government officials and the NFL, all NFL teams will be operating under a reduced stadium capacity for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, we will be unable to re-seat the entire Season Pass Member base across a limited number of seats. Therefore, we are currently working to determine a capacity that is safe for our fans, staff and players.

The letter and guidelines only apply to members seated in the Stadium Clubs and other general seating sections. They closed the letter with a deliberate premium ticket sales disclosure.

*This season pass membership update does not apply to premium sales including suites, Hall of Fame Club and Legends Club. Information will be forthcoming for those members.

Premier season ticket holders are expected to be offered different options for the 2020 season, as the Bucs, like many of the other NFL teams, have opted to move forward with a priority-based system systematically based on ticket price and membership seniority.

The Buccaneers ticket sales department told Bucs Nation that priority for single game tickets will be given to members with seniority first, such as Charter Members. It will then trickle down from there.

With no final determination on the exact capacity numbers (anticipated to be around 25%), the organization decided to automatically credit all season passes to the 2021 season, but will offer those members the ability to purchase single game tickets ahead of others.

You will have priority access to purchase 2020 single game tickets as part of the Priority Presale for the reduced capacity stadium. This presale will only be open to Season Pass Members.

Ford continued.

Your credit can be used to purchase 2020 Single Game Tickets during the presale if you choose (subject to availability).

If we are able to increase stadium capacity for any future 2020 season games, including playoffs, you will be given priority access to purchase tickets for those games (not to exceed your number of tickets in your account).

There is no final determination of what the general public ticket situation will look like exactly. Anyone interested in tickets is required to fill out a form on the Buccaneers official website to be notified if ticket sales become available:

Based on availability, a limited number of single game tickets may go on sale this summer. Fill out the form below to be notified when they will be available.

Just like the players have been given, members are also being given an opt-out option. Should a member opt-out of the 2020 season, they will still be issued a 2021 renewal and are expected to maintain their seat location and tenure.