The Buccaneers are far from selling out Sunday’s opener against the Panthers, and coach Greg Schiano is asking the local fans to get behind the team.
Schiano said at his press conference today that he believes Raymond James Stadium can provide the Buccaneers with a big home-field advantage, if the stadium is full.
“We’re going to do things the right way on and off the field and I think that’s what this area wants,” Schiano said. “That’s the kind of team they want. We’re going to play good football, so we need your help. That can be -- and has been -- an awesome home-field advantage, that stadium, when it’s packed. The heat, the elements, and the fans -- that’s what makes for a home-field advantage. We all want the same thing. At the end of the day we all want championships, and we can all be a part of it.”
The Buccaneers are attempting to lure more fans to the stadium with everything from free Wi-Fi to showing more replays on stadium video boards to hiring more customer service employees. So far, it doesn’t seem to be working. Schiano may have to build a consistent winner in Tampa before he gets the help from the home fans that he seeks.