TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Sports Authority, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of South Florida, announced that Raymond James Stadium will become a fully smoke and tobacco-free venue starting in August.
- Raymond James Stadium now smoke and tobacco-free
- Policy to take effect immediately for all events
- Prohibits use of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigs, vaps
On Tuesday, the TSA Board of Directors voted to remove all designated smoking areas which were previously located inside the stadium.
The new policy takes effect immediately and will be in place for all stadium events, including Buccaneers and Bulls football games, the Outback Bowl, the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, Monster Jam events, and concerts. The first event to be impacted by the ban will be Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour concert on Aug. 14.
"Our commitment has always been to provide the most enjoyable fan experience and we feel that making Raymond James Stadium a smoke and tobacco-free venue is a necessary part of that commitment," said Tampa Sports Authority President/CEO Eric Hart. "The need for this healthier environment was evident from fan feedback, national trends and feedback from our tenants such as the Buccaneers and USF."
According to the new policy, all areas located within the entrance gates to Raymond James Stadium will be designated as smoke and tobacco-free. Anyone wishing to smoke may still do so before entering the stadium, but will not be allowed to exit and re-enter.
The policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes or vapor pipes.