You can practically feel it in the air: football season is back. As the NFL enters week two, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to kick off their home slate for the 2026 season. After starting the season on the road last weekend, Baker Mayfield and all the stars in pewter and red return to Raymond James Stadium for the home opener this Sunday, September 20, against the Cleveland Browns.
Limited tickets still remain for the big game, with options starting as low as $73. As NFL prices go, the Bucs remain one of the most affordable tickets in the league. Plus, they have some of the best stadium food deals around, including a $10 kids meal package or the $20 Gameday Combo that comes with 2 x Hot Dogs, Chips & Pepsi 24 oz Fountain Soda. Be sure to check out the Chef’s Series every week, which this week welcomes Chef Johnny Ray and Pamela Smith of Jazzy’s BBQ, who have crafted a specialty brisket sandwich.
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We’re feeling good about the Bucs’ season ahead, so don’t worry too much if you miss this one. But a $73 ticket is the kind of deal that’s hard to pass up, and not just for the savings. Publix is the presenting partner of the game, and all fans will receive a free commemorative Bucs shirt, while supplies last.
Along with all the fanfare of the home opener, the major early-season tilt comes with some added spice. The 20th will see Baker Mayfield facing the team that first drafted him and eventually let him go. This time, they’re coming to his house in Tampa. Baker has never met a moment he couldn’t rise to, and we imagine he will be more than inspired for a big performance this time around.
Meanwhile, the game also marks the home debut of a new-look Bucs team. The additions on defense, in particular, have given pundits plenty of reason to think Tampa Bay is in position to make another run at the NFC South title and a playoff appearance. Mayfield himself, along with his teammates, has come away from practices even still thinking people don’t realize how special the team can be.
That defensive makeover is led by Rueben Bain, the former Miami star the Bucs drafted in the first round this spring. The speedy pass rusher has been one the breakout stars of the preseason and expectations are sky-high for the all-business defensive machine. Wherever he lines up, he will have the immediate attention of opposing QBs and hometown fans alike.
Just don’t keep your eyes on Bain for too long. Defensive tackle Vita Vea just signed a new contract essentially making him a Buc for life. The combination of veteran star power with rookie firepower has head coach Todd Bowles eager to see what the Buc defense can do this season. There will be more than 65,000 people at Ray Jay excited to see it, too.
Get your tickets for Sunday now, and you can get tickets for any of the nine Bucs 2026 home games here.
