Tampa is one of the proudest sports communities, which should come as no surprise to Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. Just two years ago, on February 7, 2021, the Bucs made history and won Super Bowl LV, at home, in the beloved Raymond James Stadium. It was a day, and a season, that Bucs fans will never forget.
Bucs games have become a tradition, and a favorite pastime, for Tampa area residents. The game provides an opportunity to bring families and friends together and can even be an often-used, teambuilding experience for employees. Bucs fandom has rallied the Tampa community in a powerful way.
In July, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization revealed that the team’s iconic creamsicle uniforms are coming back for an October game against the Detroit Lions. To celebrate the announcement, and unveiling, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the City of Tampa are hosting an official city holiday, Creamsicle Day, on August 14.
The event will start with an open-to-the-public day at Training Camp (pending available tickets) with Buccaneers partners and Tampa Bay local companies participating in Creamsicle Day-themed celebrations. There will also be special Creamsicle-themed merchandise designed by Homage. The event will end with a special Creamsicle fireworks show at Armature Works-all details can be found at www.buccaneers.com/creamsicleday
In honor of Creamsicle Day, we have spoken to some of Tampa’s most prominent business leaders and asked them about their love of the Bucs.
Cammie Chatterton, chief executive officer and president of Bay Food Brokerage, and her family, are longtime Bucs fans and got to experience the excitement of Super Bowl LV first-hand.
“The Chatterton family has been a season ticket holder since 1989, for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and we love our Bucs! Each year, in August, the excitement starts to build for football season in our home and at our company. The excitement of game day is something that our entire family experiences and loves each week,” says Chatterton “Even the youngest Chatterton, age 2, goes to the games and cheers on the Bucs. Bay Food Brokerage offers our tickets to clients, customers and employees, as incentives, which is a big hit with our partners. Being at the Super Bowl and watching our team, in their home stadium, win the game is one of the greatest moments we have ever experienced. It was pure jubilation and pride in our home team. We feel like we are a partner with the players on the field!”
Danny Persaud, CEO of MidFlorida Armored, is also a frequent game-goer.
“Every August, I’m always excited for the NFL season to kick off. I’m even more excited to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who’ve been my favorite team since 1977, this year. I can’t wait to see what the team can do with our new quarterback and all the talent they have around them,” says Persaud. “I’m also excited to go back to the creamsicle jerseys. I remember, back in the day when the old sombrero used to be covered in nothing but orange and white. It’s going to be a great year. We’re playoff bound. Go Bucs!”
For Brian Ford, chief operating officer for the Bucs, it’s a point of pride to see fans get so excited and share that enthusiasm with friends, family and coworkers.
“The return of the creamsicle uniforms is something our fans have been passionate about, for the past decade, and our entire organization is excited and looking forward to making October 15 the first of many memorable creamsicle games,” says Ford. “In order to make Creamsicle Day an annual celebration, throughout our region, we will rely heavily on the strong partnerships we have with our team sponsors to make this a daylong celebration throughout. The response has exceeded even our highest expectations and we look forward to working with our partners on these very unique and fan-focused activations that are planned.”
Tampa Bay Business and Wealth is partnering with the Bucs and Sweetheart Ice Cream for a photo contest. Get your team in the football season spirit. On August 14, have your staff show up in their best “Classic Creamsicle” Buccaneer gear. Email your photos to Jo-Lynn Brown at [email protected]. Photos will be shared on our social media accounts next week and the “team” with the most likes, shares and engagements, will receive a Tampa Bay Buccaneer football signed by Devin White for their office and an ice cream social delivered by Sweetheart Ice Cream.*
#GOBUCS! #CreamsicleDay
*Restrictions apply. Ice cream social for up to 200 people
