Pirate Ship
The Buccaneers' second Super Bowl victory made them one of two teams, along with the Baltimore Ravens, to be undefeated in multiple Super Bowls.
Super Bowl LV was an American football game played to determine the champion of the National Football League (NFL) for the 2020 season. The National Football Conference (NFC) champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the defending Super Bowl and American Football Conference (AFC) champions Kansas City Chiefs, 31–9. The game was played on February 7, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the home stadium of the Buccaneers, marking the first time a team played a Super Bowl in its home stadium. Due to COVID-19 protocols limiting the stadium's seating capacity to 25,000 fans, it was the least-attended Super Bowl.
Quick Facts
- Nickname origin
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers team identity
- Primary venue
- Raymond James Stadium (since 1998)
- Former venue
- Tampa Stadium (1976–1997)
- Key symbol
- The Bucs' Jolly Roger Flag
- Fan identity
- The Pirate Crew
- Notable feature
- Open-Air Design with Natural Grass
- Status
- Active Home of the Buccaneers
Lore & Background
The Buccaneers' victory was their second and made them one of two teams, along with the Baltimore Ravens, to be undefeated in multiple Super Bowls. They finished the regular season with an 11–5 record and a wild card berth to advance to their second Super Bowl appearance through the guidance of several new acquisitions, most notably 21-year veteran quarterback Tom Brady in his first season away from the New England Patriots. The Chiefs, aided by their top-ranked offense, finished the regular season with a league-best 14–2 record to advance to their fourth Super Bowl appearance and were the defending Super Bowl LIV champions, seeking to become the first repeat champions since the Patriots in 2004.
Reader's Guide
For the first time under quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs failed to score a touchdown and lost by double-digits, making them the third Super Bowl team not to score a touchdown. They also committed 11 penalties for 120 yards, including a record eight penalties for 95 yards in the first half, most of which were called against the defense. The Buccaneers capitalized on these struggles to take a 21–6 lead at halftime and dominated the remainder of the game. Brady, who also extended his player records for Super Bowl appearances to ten and wins to seven, was named Super Bowl MVP for a record fifth time and was the first to receive the award with multiple franchises. He became the oldest player to receive the honor and win a Super Bowl as the starting quarterback at age 43, breaking additional personal records, while Bruce Arians was the oldest head coach to win the Super Bowl at 68.
Did You Know?
- The game was televised nationally by CBS.
- Country music singer Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan performed the national anthem.
- The halftime show was headlined by Canadian singer the Weeknd.
- Super Bowl LV was seen by 91.63 million viewers, the lowest ratings for the game since 2006.
- Combined with viewership on other platforms, viewership was down by 5% overall in comparison to Super Bowl LIV, but with a 69% increase in average streaming viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Pirate Ship?
The Pirate Ship is a nickname for the Buccaneers' home ground and atmosphere rather than a literal vessel. It represents the team's swashbuckling identity established since 1976.
Which stadium is known as the Pirate Ship?
While originally associated with Tampa Stadium, the moniker now applies to Raymond James Stadium. This venue has served as the team's home since 1998.
What is the main symbol of the Pirate Ship?
The Buccaneers' Jolly Roger Flag serves as the key emblem for this nautical identity. It is flown to signify the authority and spirit of the organization.
How does the Pirate Ship concept affect fan culture?
This nickname transforms the fanbase into a collective crew united by a shared maritime identity. It encourages supporters to see themselves as active participants in the team's journey.
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