The Bucs First Championship: A Dozen Days in January

Monday January 27, 2003

That night, Raymond James Stadium would be open to fans for the official welcome home for the new world champions. Seating would be on a first come basis and the gates opened at 6:30. The police did chase people away who tried to line up that morning, however, shortly after noon the line started to form.

All the local television stations had coverage of the event. As the stadium filled, horns honked around RJS. The video screens at the stadium showed the progress of the plane carrying the world champions. When the jet flew directly over an almost full stadium, the crowd roared and the pirate ship's cannons were fired.

When the team plane landed at Tampa International Airport, the Bucs received the rare honor of a celebratory water arch. The plane taxied through an arch of water sprayed by four fire trucks. As the players disembarked, fans at the stadium sang the Queen song "We are the champions." Airport employees greeted the team with cheers on the tarmac. People in the terminal pressed against the glass windows to get a look at the champs.

The team busses received a police escort to Raymond James Stadium. As the cops blocked off traffic at intersections, people got out of their cars to salute the Bucs. The stadium was now fill and some people had to be turned away. At intersections near RJS, huge crowds gathered. People screamed, waved Bucs flags and hundred, maybe thousands, of horns blasted.

As the team approached the stadium, the capacity crowd was doing the "Tampa, Bay" cheer louder and prouder that ever before. The crowd was roaring as the busses pulled into the tunnel and the team prepared to walk into the stadium.

Malcolm Glazer lead the team into the stadium with the Vince Lombardi Trophy held high over his head. The continual cannon fire was just about drowned out as the crowd erupted. As the Bucs made their way to the stage, they were greeted by an enthusiasm never before felt in the Tampa Bay area.

Numerous Buccaneers addressed the crowd. Malcolm Glazer got things started by getting the crowd to chant "Go, Bucs."

Jon Gruden said, "We love you Tampa. I'd like you to join me tonight in saying this, "Pound that rock, pound that rock, ..."

John Lynch yelled, "We did it Tampa!"

Warren Sapp held the Lombardi trophy over his head and exclaimed, "It is in its rightful place, home."

Dwight Smith predicted, "We'll be back here next year doing the same thing."

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin told the crowd, "I want to hear it one time, defense, defense, ..."

Martin Gramatica, who grew up in Argentina, said, "This is better than any World Cup I ever dreamed of having."

The players then marched the Lombardi trophy around the stadium and fireworks lit the sky. Some fans were lucky enough to touch the trophy as the team paraded around. Bryan Glazer spirited across the field with the trophy to allow more fans the chance to touch it. Some players did interviews and signed autographs.

As the stadium emptied, honking horns filled the streets.

Continue with Article

Back to Home Page