Tampa Chapter Alumni Tailgate at Bulls Heaven Great Success Article & photo by Jeffrey Neil Fox jnf@bullsheaven.com The Tampa Chapter of the University of South Florida Alumni Association recently partnered up with Bulls Heaven to host a tailgate at their store, Bulls Heaven, and in their parking lot. The pep rally tailgate was hosted the night before the Green & Gold Spring USF Bulls Football game. Delicious fresh food was supplied by Domino’s Pizza, Tijuana Flats, On the Mark Catering and Vitamin Water. Music was provided by DJ Bob Moore. USF’s Mascot Rocky D. Bull was also on hand to entertain the crowd. The first person to show up at the Tailgate was USF’s first lady President Judy Genshaft. President Genshaft is a HUGE fan of the USF Bulls and is a frequent shopper at the Authentic Team Merchandise Bucs, Bulls, Lightning and Rays Heaven retail super center. She says she loves the selection and collection of gear and merchandise with USF’s logo on it. Bucs & Bulls Store owner Jeffrey Neil Fox gave a $1,500 check to the Moffit Cancer Center to benefit “Finish Strong” bracelets that were sold in the Bulls Heaven store to support Jeff Wagner, a USF Graduate, who has carried the torch for the Finish Strong mantra that has motivated the USF Bulls football team – the bracelet signifies to give it your all. Proceeds of the bracelet sales will continue to go to Moffit to help them to find a cure for the terrible cancer disease. To join the USF Alumni or to find out more information got to www.usfalumni.net . A membership includes numerous advantages including a discount at Bulls Heaven . |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made some wholesale changes during the offseason. Many of the coaching staff and veteran players were not immune to the roster adjustments. Needless to say, the team has been active in free agency. The NFL Draft is held in Madison Square Garden (April 26, 27) and is just a few weeks away. Football purists have their mock draft sheets out and many fans like to second-guess the new Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik. Many fans have their own opinions of what college prospects the Bucs should go after when it is their time on the clock. This year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the 19 th overall pick. Many things can happen in the war room and the team can and will make deals to either trade up or down during the draft. Sure the team has distinct needs – special teams, offense, and defense. Will the Bucs select a quarterback in the first round? From my experience and observations, most teams select the best talent available sometimes regardless of need. Usually, about a third of the high draft picks turn out to be busts in the NFL. About a third become impact players and the final third become marquis players with other teams after they spend a few years in the NFL developing their gridiron skills. Authentic Team Merchandise has a limited supply of the officially licensed Draft Day Hat that the Bucs draft picks will be wearing when they get drafted. Be the first on your block to have one. www.bucgear.com Article by Jeffrey Neil Fox – Authentic Team Merchandise, It's Bucs & Bulls Heaven |
Just 32 days… That’s it. Just 32 days until the first pitch of the 2009 MLB Season. 32 Days until the defending American League Champions Tampa Bay Rays take the field against the New York Yankees in St. Petersburg. Just 32 days until 40,000+ screaming Rays fans cheer inside the Trop as the 2008 AL Pennant banner drops from the catwalk. Oh what a sweet moment that will be. Not only sweet to be the team that went from worst to first with the second lowest payroll in the majors, but to celebrate the occasion in front of the team with the highest payroll who spent hundreds of millions of dollars in offseason acquisitions after placing third in the AL East and missing the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons. Yeah – pretty sweet. The Rays have a lot to look forward to this season – crowd favorite, pitcher James Shield has dubbed the Rays the “Team to beat in the AL East” during the off season and there is no doubt that the rest of the Rays roster has the same feeling. The Rays brought in Pat “The Bat” Burrell to become the Designated Hitter for the Rays. They also brought in Jason Isringhausen, who has wildly impressed Manager Joe Maddon with the command of his fast ball, to take over the Rays’ closing duties in the 9 th inning. The Rays will experience the biggest fan expectations they have ever had in the past coming off of a franchise season that took them all the way to the World Series, only to come two games short of being World Champions. So c’mon Tampa Bay, come on out and support your Rays, and show the nation how passionate Tampa Bay sports fans are for their hometown team. GO RAYS! |
Article and photo by Jeffrey Neil Fox jnf@bullsheaven.com The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been active during the offseason. There have been wholesale changes starting with the coaching staff. New head coach Raheem Morris is one of the youngest coaches in the NFL. The Buccaneers recently cut two long term faces of the franchise. Future Hall Of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks and running back Warrick Dunn are no longer on the team. The cut of Brooks and Dunn were controversial and was not well received by die hard Bucs fans. I know one thing for sure. It is just a matter of time before every NFL player becomes a former player. Age and economics inevitably take its toll. The salaries that the players get are astronomical, but every player is just a play away from a career ending injury. Roster changes are made with the hopes of consistently winning. The major goal and objective of every general manager and coach is to put together a roster of players that will give the team the best chances of winning. Then there is the amount of money that is paid for marquis players. You have to pick and choose your battles, but with a new young front office and coach it is obvious that they want to continue a youth movement. Fans of our Pewter Pirates will have to be patient. I do know that Buc fans have a short memory and that winning will solve all ill feelings. Derrick Brooks was an 11 time pro bowler, never missed a game and was a leader on the field and in the locker room. His passion for playing competitive football was contagious and spread like wild fire amongst his fellow teammates. Football purists everywhere still think that Derrick Brooks can still play football in the NFL at a high level. Derrick is equally as passionate and unselfish off the field and has given of himself to many charities in the community. About two years ago I asked Derrick Brooks when he thought he would retire from professional football. He answered me quickly and said, “Jeff, they are going to have to cart me off the field!” Pro bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks was one of the most popular players in Bucs history both on and off the field. Jeffrey Neil Fox owns Bucs & Bulls Heaven at 14823 N. Florida Avenue Tampa, Florida 33613 813-908-2827. www.bucgear.com At press time, he still had some jerseys and other memorabilia left for Brooks and Dunn. |
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Fanatical Tailgate
The party starts in the parking lot before every home Tampa Bay Buccaneer game. Plan your tailgate the night before. Make a detailed check list and pack up as much as you. You can never have enough ice, food and drinks. Fire up the grill . Invite your friends and impress your fellow tailgaters with your special recipes . Raise the red flag and let the pre game banter begin. Be a good sport to the rival teams’ fans. If you drink alcohol make arrangements to get home safe. You just have to put your game face on before you enter Raymond James Stadium Go Bucs!
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| The Sign Man, aka Russ Barner, owns the distinction of being the first fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that was enshrined in the Hall of Fame for fans in Canton, Ohio. The Sign Man has been a staunch booster of the Bucs from the first day the franchise started. The Sign Man got his “handle” during the early years from writing and displaying signs of encouragement when the Bucs buses left from team headquarters for the airport for away games. The Sign Man would greet the team when they returned with signs of encouragement, win or lose, no matter what time of day. The Sign Man has become a beloved Buccaneer icon. Go Bucs! Article and Photo by Jeffrey Neil Fox – www.bucgear.com |
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GearUpForTheGame.com has the best Tampa Bay Bucs, Lightning, Rays & USF Bulls Fans
Welcome to our blog. We will dedicate and devote our editorial and photographs to YOU the fans of the hometown teams. Tampa has rapidly become the apex of sports in the Southeast. Take a look at all the sports teams both professional and amateur that call Tampa their home - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers with their new coach will make a grand push to make it to the playoffs next year, advance to the NFC Championship and then another trip to the big show. The Super Bowl. The Rays are coming off a Cinderella year. From worst to first, the American League Championship and then a trip to the World Series. Fans are looking forward to the new Rays season with great expectations of the team earning a return trip to the World Series. The University of South Florida Bulls varsity teams are looking to make some noise and win some Big East Titles. The Tampa Bay Lightning is playing exciting hockey and pucksters love their Bolts. Tampa was the host of the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium back in February. There just is NO better time to be a fan of the hometown teams.
Have YOU ever been to a tailgate? There is nothing like attending a live sporting event and tailgating in the parking lot before the game. You have to put your game face on. But like Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz said “There is no place like home!” We have coined the term “Homegating” where some fans say is the best seat in the house is in front of the big screen TV in the comfort of your own living room. Our mission is to explore and define the fan culture. Tailgating, homegating – making the most of the sports fans experience.
Our mission in this column is to inform and entertain. We encourage YOU to send us your pictures, recipes and ideas on how to fully enjoy the fan experience. Without YOU the fan, sporting events would just not be the same. See you again soon, when the Rays step up to the batting box and start their spring training and then the start of Baseball season.
Go Bucs! Go Bulls! Go Lightning! Go Rays! Go Fans of the hometown teams!
Jeffrey Neil Fox - Authentic Team Merchandise - jnf@bullsheaven.com
Article & Photo by www.jeffreyneilfox.com
The Super Bowl Party with a Purpose
The 18 th Annual Taste of the NFL party was held at the Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida the night before Super Bowl XLIII. This marquis event had food stations featuring signature specialties from the nation’s top chefs from each of the 31 NFL Cities. Along with food at each station, there was a wine steward pouring the suggested wine that went with the dish and a yesteryear player from the NFL team signing autographs. The mission of the Taste of the NFL is to address the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money. NFL teams and hunger relief organizations team up with a goal to end hunger. “Food brings people together. Great food brings great people together” said founder of the Taste of the NFL, Wayne Kostroski fans everywhere are encouraged to join in with the fight against hunger and can make an online donation. www.tasteoftheNFL.com Article and photo by www.jeffreyneilfox.com and www.gearupforthegame
Brian Polcyn, Chef Marty Blitz from Mise En Place and Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Scott Brantley
Pewter Nation – Tampa has the best fans in the NFL
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the most colorful and animated fans in the National Football League. In some NFL cities, fans are often violent, rude and sometimes burn cars. In Tampa the fans throw beads and are usually gracious to opposing teams’ fans. Notwithstanding, some mild healthy heckling takes place during tailgates before the game, and in the stands. True fans just have to put their game face on before the opening kickoff. Look around the parking lot before the game and you will see fans all geared up and psyched for the game.
Maybe the many years of the Bucs having the worst record in the NFL tempered fans expectations. Fans didn’t expect the Bucs to lose so many games but many had the right mind set to realize that just maybe the next game would be the start of a turnaround for their Pewter Pirates. You just have to believe! Dreams do come true. Do you believe in miracles? Many happen on the gridiron. There is great anticipation of the Bucs fighting their way back to the playoffs, winning the NFC Title, and taking a trip back to the Promised Land - the Super Bow! The Super Bowl dream for the fans of Tampa Bay did come to fruition back during the 2002 season. The Pewter Nation has declared an annual holiday January 26, 2003, the day when the Buccaneers won their inaugural Super Bowl.
Four years later the Super Bowl victory is a distant memory and fans, starting with the Super Characters of the Pewter Nation, are hoping that the Bucs will return to form once again. What a spirited and colorful crew is the heart and soul behind the Pewter Nation. Independent fan mascots like “Big Nasty, Pirate Lady, Pewter Presley, A Train Man, Afro man, Scurvy, The Captain, Chucky Man, Pillow Lady, The Animal, The Sign Man, Pewter Tom, Krazie, Big Bop, Beer Stud, Bone Shaker, Bucafied Bert, All Buced Up” and more have all united to root and show support for the home town team. In spite of the outcome of the game, loyal fans embody the true spirit of professional football and support their team. Take the time to meet and talk with some of the super character fans. Ask Big Nasty to show you his coveted Hall of Fame ring that he proudly wears for being elected into the Hall in Canton, Ohio as a fan in 2001.
You don’t have to put on face paint and wear a wig to be part of the Pewter Nation. Fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers unite and are proud to show their team colors. It is a matter of pride. The players and the coaches do pull strength from their fans. The players on the field can hear the fans in the stands. All athletes have to dig deep and call upon their bodies’ inner soul to get their adrenaline pumping to give them a competitive edge. Have you ever heard of the home field advantage? Go Bucs!
From Jeffrey Neil Fox Publisher jnf@bullsheaven.com
Quarter Back Killer is NOW Dance Floor Thriller Warren Sapp best known as a “quarterback killer” is now a contestant on a popular Hollywood TV network show, “Dancing with the stars!” Sapp was a Probowl defensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played an instrumental role in helping the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII. Warren has always been an agile athlete. His power is deceiving. I’ve seen him toss beefy 300 pound plus offensive lineman aside like they were a rag dolls. Sapp’s competitive spirit is contagious. You just have to admire his former abilities on the gridiron and now on the ballroom dance floor. Warren and his dancing partner Kim Johnson have entertained America with their dazzling performances. It is amazing how Warren is able to move around so graciously and has great respect for the art form, but brings his own unique style to the ballroom floor. Dance Warren Dance. Publisher Jeffrey Neil Fox jnf@bullsheaven.com Warren Sapp used to prowl the sidelines. Now he is a popular dancing star. |
One of the most popular and talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers, John Lynch was recently resigned so that he could retire as a Buccaneer. It was a sad day in Tampa Bay history when Lynch left the Tampa for the Denver Broncos. Lynch had a brilliant career and will surely be a candidate for the NFL Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. Lynch was a proud of member of the 2002 roster of Pewter Pirates when they fought their way to Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego on January 26. 2004. Nothing compares with winning an inaugural Super Bowl. John Lynch will be remembered for his leadership on and off the field. He played the game with reckless abandon. His first coach Sam Wyche used to say that Lynch hit like a steel anvil. Welcome back to Tampa John. We have missed you. Go Bucs! Go John Lynch Tampa Bay Buccaneer! Jeffrey Neil Fox Publisher jnf@bullsheaven.com |
 BUCS RUNNING BACK TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS FOR CHARITY
Former Florida Gator star will be at Bucs and Bulls Heaven on Dec. 3 To get to Bucs & Bulls Heaven, take I-275 to Fletcher Avenue, and go north on Florida Avenue; or take the Bearss Avenue exit and go south on Florida Avenue. The store is located on the east side of the street at 14823. For more information, call 813-908-BUCS (2827), or 877-377-4327 toll free, or visit www.bucgear.com. Jeffrey Neil Fox Publisher jnf@bullsheaven.com. Photo description |
 Publisher Jeffrey Neil Fox is happy that the Rays were #1 team in the American League this year. Tampa Bay Rays -We are proud of YOU The Rays season came to an abrupt end when they lost game 5 of the World Series to the Philadelphia Philly's. Pinch me, did I say World Series? Yes, our Tampa Bay Rays fought their way through adversity and came three games from winning the World Series. The Rays did give a gallant effort and their fan base has swelled substantially. I can hardly wait till the season gets fired up again next year. In the meantime, show your Rays pride and make sure you "Ray Up" at Authentic Team Merchandise. Check out all the gear and novelties that have just came in at www.gearupforthegame.com Rays Championship merchandise makes a great holiday gift idea. Go Rays. All the way in 2009. Jeffrey Neil Fox Publisher jnf@bullsheaven.com |
 Welcome to our Gear Up For the Game blog. We plan on updating often and will be sure to include ideas on how to further improve your enjoyment of being a fan of the home town teams. I sincerely believe that the fans who watch the games are equally as important as the players that give it their all and fight for victory every time they compete. Do YOU believe in the 12th man/women concept? Many players that I have talked to say that they do indeed draw strength from the fans in the stands and from those watching on TV. Stand up and root and hoot for YOUR team. |