‘What the Buc’ Tailgate: Tampa’s 20-Year Tradition Boosts Local Charities With $10K Donation

At Raymond James Stadium's 2025 season opener, the What the Buc crew gave $10,000 to 1Vision Foundation. This gift marks a big step for the group, which turns pre-game fun into good deeds.

The season opener drew 450 fans, keeping up a two-decade custom of pre-game meetups. Jets fans mixed with Bucs supporters in the packed lot, sharing food and swapping stories before kickoff.

"The love here it's all fun, the attitude, the atmosphere," said Mario, a member of the Buccaholics fan club, according to Tampa Bay 28.

What the Buc Really Matters started when Cheryl Stewart saw a chance to do more. "We didn't want to profit from what we were doing. We were just a bunch of rabid fans. So I came up with the idea. So why don't we find a local charity," Stewart said.

Jets icon Fireman Ed stopped by to show support. "This foundation is beautiful, wonderful, I love it. I like what the Buccaneers are doing. They do a great job. They represent the NFL very well. It's one of my favorite venues here. I just love it here," he said.

The spirit runs deep at these meetups. "It's what we call fan family," Mooky shared with a grin.

Through the 2025 NFL season, the group plans to back more Tampa Bay causes. Each game day brings fresh chances to pitch in for local needs.

"They realize that it's not just chemotherapy. And they're fantastic. They do, as we say here, they do all the heavy lifting. We just support them," Stewart said about 1Vision's work.

Want to join? Check What the Buc's social feeds for times and spots. The crew sets up shop before each home game at Raymond James.