Bucs' Raymond James Stadium Reportedly to Receive $10.4M for COVID-19 Safety

Raymond James Stadium will utilize $10.4 million in federal funding for upgrades that will help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. 

The venue is home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USF football, and it is also currently scheduled to host the upcoming Super Bowl LV next February.

The money is set to go to more than 40 modifications, including removable seat bottoms to ensure social distancing at the stadium. There will also be sanitizing stations, touch-free toilets and other items to promote cleanliness. 

The funding came from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and the stadium plans to have all changes made by Oct. 31, although the Buccaneers are set to host their first preseason game on Aug. 22.

The Bucs have their first regular-season home game on Sept. 20.

These changes come amid a surge in COVID-19 cases around the country, especially in Florida. There were over 12,000 new cases within the state in each of the last two recorded days (Saturday and Sunday), the highest totals this year, per the Florida Department of Health.

The virus has led to over 130,000 deaths in the United States.

The NFL is still planning to hold games as scheduled in September with fans in the stands, although some teams are making their own adjustments. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced games at TIAA Bank Field will be with 25 percent capacity for 2020. The Baltimore Ravens will sell fewer than 14,000 tickets per game. 

---

Bleacher Report's David Gardner interviews athletes and other sports figures for the podcast How to Survive Without Sports.