Todd Smith is a season ticket holder for many years, and was one of the many people who had a bad outing last week against the Patriots when concessions at Raymond James stadium went on the fritz. Well we had Todd Smith write about this week’s RayJay experience, and here it is for you to read.
I have been charged with writing on the concession service at the Game last night. Everyone seemed happy, lines were normal and the food and drinks were flowing. It appears that things are back to normal and all is forgiven and forgotten. The only complaints I heard was in 4’th Quarter when a few of the kiosks ran out of turkey legs and corndogs, but this is hearsay at best and after a fun evening of beers and good defense, I was unable to substantiate. I can testify that the Budweiser was good, the Bud Light was good, the Coors Light was okay and the Miller Light not only tasted great, but was less filling. So let’s just say it’s all good, and everyone looked happy. And speaking of corndogs that reminds me of a little story.
PLEASE CLICK THE READ ME BUTTON BELOW TO CONTINUE THIS STORY ON RAY JAY CONCESSIONS….
It was the first game of the 09’season against the Cowboys. It was the end of the first quarter and Jake had just got back to his seat next to me with two beers and a corndog, swimming in mustard and ketchup. The fat George Clooney sits right behind him and was haranguing him about the big sloppy corndog. Same group, game after game, season after season and no one gets cut any slack in this area. We did have new season ticket holders in front of us that year, all excited about their upgrade (section 310) and life was pretty good until……. Jake goes to take the first bite of his corndog and the whole thing slips out of his hand and falls down the back of this guy’s wife in front of him. George almost falls out his seat laughing so hard along with the whole SRQ gang, while the poor woman just sits there covered in mustard and ketchup all over her bright colored t-shirt. As we are all dying laughing and she sits in shock, Jake apologizes and begins trying to wipe this mess off of her with “A single napkin”, only to smear it and make matters worse. It was in her hair and everywhere, all the while we almost called the paramedics for George laughing into complete hysteria. She calmly gets up and leaves, only to return after half time with a new Bucs’ Jersey and wet hair. She said it was cool and she needed some Bucs’ colors anyway. The t-shirt unfortunately didn’t survive the encounter. The SRQ gang now calls Jake “Corndog” for obvious reasons and we never saw those fans sit in front of us again after that game. The moral of the story is to be prepared for anything at a Bucs’ game, rain or shine, hell or high water. It is what it is. If you love something, leave it at home, including your wife if necessary, she may thank you for it.
Last season, we moved to the other side of the tracks, to Section 309, to pick up another seat, and this is a Rowdy Loud Diehard Crowd. These guys are some of the most passionate fans in the NFL and when they read this, they will know of whom I speak. If you can get seats in 309, either be loud and ready, or bring your ear plugs, it is an awesome experience and we love our Bucs.
So last night we’re having a smoke before the game, doing my charged task of evaluating the concessions and Jake is having his corndog, covered in mustard. For the record, Raymond James Stadium has excellent homemade corndogs, just like their foot long chili dogs covered with mustard, chili, cheese and jalapeños or onions. I recommend either of these products, but don’t forget your Alka-Seltzer or Tums. Jake goes to take his first bite and again, drops the whole thing on the ground with mustard (this time) shooting everywhere, but mostly on my brother Judd’s leg. Judd is a die-hard Eagles’ fan but took it all in stride, and he was wearing a Bucs’ t-shirt supporting the home team. I wish we had more fans like Judd, transplants from elsewhere that could break down and support the Bucs, buy some tickets, and enjoy some damn good football, even if it isn’t their other home “favorite” team. I love football and anywhere I go, I will support the team, all while remaining a Buc fan, I just can’t be monogamous when it comes to football, but I pray that my work never takes me to New Orleans, because that may just be too much to stomach.
Concession grades last night for Raymond James Stadium: A solid “B+”
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