TAMPA, Fla. — No, you did not travel back in time to 1976 — but if you heard that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be wearing their creamsicle uniforms this year, then you're not crazy either!
The team announced Monday morning via social media they will be wearing their throwback jerseys on Sunday, Oct. 15, against former NFC Central Division rivals the Detroit Lions.
This will be the first time the Bucs are going to wear the original, orange-ish uniforms in more than a decade (2012), and the team said in a news release the distinctive color scheme serves as the centerpiece of the franchise's focus on honoring the deep roots of its almost 50-year history.
“The return of our beloved Creamsicle uniforms for this special game is something that our fans have been passionate about for many years, and we are excited to celebrate the history of our franchise with a unique, dedicated Creamsicle gameday experience,” Bucs Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said in a statement. “This is more than a throwback game; it is a celebration of our legacy and some of the great moments and players that make our story so special to our fans.”
Fans who attend the game in October will also see a "transformed" Raymond James Stadium to pay homage to the team's original playing arena — the Tampa Stadium.
It was often known as The Big Sombrero due to its structural shape. Raymond James will also include retro field stencils, stadium bunting and video board assets to represent Tampa Stadium.
Tickets for the game against the Lions — and all 2023 home games — are on sale now and can be purchased through the team's website. There are also limited Bucs season pass memberships and single-game tickets available. For more ticket information, click here.
Tampa Bay wore their creamsicle uniforms from the team's inaugural season from 1976-1996 and then went on to wear it again once per year from 2009-2012. The throwback jerseys have been worn by team legend and Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon and also Bucs Ring of Honor inductees Jimmie Giles and Doug Williams. All mentioned players wore the iconic uniforms during the team's first-ever playoff season in 1979, which ultimately resulted in one game short of a Super Bowl appearance.