How do we tailgate by walking to Raymond James stadium?

Question

Sunday Jan. 5th, we have a hotel nearby RJ stadium. We have never tailgated before, and wanted to tailgate, but we do not plan to see the game inside the stadium. We are are going to uber or walk to the stadium area, but we have no idea where to tailgate as we wanted to walk around the different groups/cars that are tailgating before the 1pm game against the Saints. Any ideas are appreciated. THANKS!

Answer

Tailgating at Raymond James Stadium is a lively experience, even if you’re just planning to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere without attending the game. Since you’re nearby and don’t have a car, the key is knowing where the tailgates are concentrated and understanding the general etiquette for walking through tailgate areas.

Most tailgating occurs in the stadium’s parking lots, especially the large Lots A, B, C, and D, which are open to the public for pre-game festivities. Fans set up tents, grills, and coolers around their vehicles, creating a festive neighborhood-like environment. Walking through these areas is common, and people are usually friendly to visitors who are just observing or stopping by for a drink or snack.

Here are some tips and options for walking tailgates at Raymond James Stadium:

Arrive early: Tailgating usually starts 3–4 hours before the game, so arriving around 9–10am will let you see the atmosphere build.
Start at Lot A or Lot C: These lots are closest to the stadium entrances and have some of the largest gatherings, making them perfect for walking and checking out multiple tailgates.
Check out the west parking lots near the lighthouse: These are popular for themed tailgates and have more fan interaction.
Walk along the perimeter: You can circle the stadium on the sidewalks and crosswalks, enjoying different groups without needing access to private lots.
Be respectful: Don’t grab food or drinks without asking, and watch out for games like cornhole or football tossing to avoid being hit.

Since you are walking from a nearby hotel, consider these additional suggestions:

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather — January in Tampa can be cool in the morning but warms up by midday.
Bring a small backpack with water, sunscreen, or snacks, since you won’t have a car to carry supplies.
Plan a route: Walking clockwise around the stadium often lets you see the largest groups first and gradually taper to smaller, quieter tailgates.
Enjoy fan culture: Many tailgaters are happy to chat, show off team gear, or even offer small tastes of their food.

Finally, even if you’re not entering the stadium, the tailgate culture at Raymond James is vibrant, and walking between lots is an excellent way to soak in the pre-game excitement. Keep an eye on traffic and pedestrian crossings, as some areas can get crowded closer to kickoff.

How do we tailgate by walking to Raymond James stadium?

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