TAMPA, Fla. — After a months-long wait, football is back in Tampa as the Bucs took on the Washington Commanders. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Tampa Bay Buccaners took on the Washington Commanders

  • Hundreds of fans came to the game early to tailgate

  • This is the fourth straight Bucs home opening win

However, before any home game starts, fans like Carlos Mendez are living it up with their tailgating tradition. 

“In the beginning, we would just be in different jerseys that we would have,” he said. “Then it got more elaborate. There were some pictures of me in a whole wig and a complete pirate outfit.”

Carlos has been coming to Bucs games for more than 30 years, and he said he’s only missed six home games in all those years.

Dressing in style, some of Carlos’ favorite Buccaneer memories he brings to the tailgate, including pictures from his most recent trip to the Super Bowl.

“During COVID it was restricted, but that was such an important Super Bowl,” he said. 

When it comes to tailgating, it seems having good luck charms is a must. 

Bucs fan Jeremy Brown said his group brings a mix of new and old good luck charms. 

“We got the Buc-a-gnome, we got the wacky-wavy-inflatable tube guy, we got some Bucs nesting dolls that make an appearance,” he said. “All these little things that seem to have provided good luck over the years.”

From those good luck charms to cooking food to watching the early football games, all of this is just the precursor to what Bucs fans hope is a great season.