(Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
By Sam Britt
The NFL will not allow Raymond James Stadium, the site of Super Bowl LV, to fire the cannons from its pirate ship after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers score, as is the tradition at the stadium, due to the game technically being played at a neutral site, according to Sports Radio 610.
The Buccaneers will be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium, according to NBC Sports.
The Buccaneers will be listed as the home team as well, due to this year’s Super Bowl falling on the NFC’s turn to be the home team, according to CBS Sports.
“The firing of the cannons after big plays is a tradition that defines what it means to be a Buccaneer fan and serves as a signature element of our home game experience at Raymond James Stadium,” the team said in a statement on Tuesday. “However, we also acknowledge and understand the NFL’s position with regards to maintaining the integrity of neutral site atmosphere for Super Bowl LV. While the cannons may not fire in their typical fashion, we look forward to showcasing parts of our tradition while working within the league’s guidelines.”
Some fans argued that the Buccaneers had earned the right to play in the Super Bowl in their home stadium and should not have home field traditions taken away, according to Sports Radio 610.
The logos on the field and the endzones will also be painted neutral colors.
Other fans said a compromise may be firing the canons whenever either team scores.
Super Bowl LV between the Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs will be played Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. E.T.