Buccaneers Confirm Super Bowl Boat Parade Details
As the Tampa Bay Lightning did, the Bucs will set sail with the Vince Lombardi trophy with a boat parade tomorrow (February 10). The Super Bowl championship celebration boat parade will begin at 1pm. Fans will be able to see the parade along the Riverwalk from Armature Works to Harbour Island, the sidewalk along Blake High School and the waterside parks along the route excluding Plant Park. Julian B. Lane Park, where the NFL Experience took place, will still be closed south of Laurel Street.
Unlike the Tampa Bay Lightning’s celebration, boaters cannot participate in the parade. They can be in the water during the parade but are required to stay at least 50 feet from the official vessels in the parade. The waters along the parade route are considered a United States Coast Guard Emergency Safety Zone Event. Law enforcement will line the route to ensure safety and compliance, according to the Bucs website.
There will not be a post-boat parade celebration like the Lightning had at Raymond James Stadium.
Laurel Street, Cass Street, Kennedy Boulevard, Brorein Street, and Platt Street Bridges will all be closed to traffic and pedestrians until the Lombardi trophy goes by.
Suggested parking sites include the Poe Garade and Tampa Convention Center Garage for a flat charge of $10, the Fort Brooke and Pam Iorio Garage at $2 per hour, and the Palm Garage in Ybor at $1 an hour.
Many fans on social media are expressing frustration with the last minute nature of the planning. For those upset to miss the event since they’ll be at work, a big factor was that the weather forecast shows a much higher chance of rain this weekend. Waters could be too choppy for a boat parade. Many players also live out of the area and are likely anxious to get home to their families.
The City says they plan to ensure fan safety by enforcing social distancing guidelines and the use of face masks. The mayor’s order for face masks expires later this week. Fans who can’t attend in person can watch a live stream on Bucs social media, according to the Tampa Bay Times. [Source: Tampa Bay Times, Buccaneers.com]
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