Big tailgate turnout for Bucs season opener

Football is back, and in Tampa Bay, fans celebrated the start of the season hours before kickoff outside Raymond James Stadium.

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the Tennessee Titans in their season opener on Sunday.

 

"We're really excited to be here today," said Tony Jrolf, who was tailgating with friends. "I've had season tickets for the last 15 years. Our first year was the year 2000, and this is tradition."

 

Despite rain showers Sunday morning, dozens of fans showed up around 8 a.m. to fire up the grills and celebrate the start of the season.

 

"If it rains a little bit, we'll just get a little bit wet. We've got dry shirts. I've got my Bucs shirt I'll change into," said Adam Watts, who hosted a tailgating party with his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

 

Tickets for the first Bucs game were nearly sold out, with only a few hundred remaining prior to kick off.

 

Fans said they are hopeful new quarterback Jameis Winston will turn around the team's losing record. The Bucs finished 2-14 in 2014.

 

"We've got the number one draft pick, and we'll see what he's going to do," said Watts. "He did well for Florida State; he's going to do good for the Bucs."

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium.

Stay with Fox Sports for game day highlights.