October 1, 2017
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
My Dad Jim (left), Brother Dana (center left) and Brother Jordan (center right)
Pregame Thoughts
Prediction: Giants win by 3
Results
Final Score: Buccaneers 25, Giants 23
My Record: 2-4
An okay prediction, although I was still wrong. In hindsight, I think this was more of a hopeful bet so the Giants wouldn’t be 0-4 (yikes). They actually account for 3 of my losses, maybe I should stop picking them or going to their games? I hope both the Giants and myself do better next time!
The Game
The Giants lost another one and are now 0-4, but at least this one was close, which is no silver lining. Nick Folk made a 34 yard field goal as the time expired to win it (after he already missed two field goals and an extra point earlier in the game). Jameis Winston had a solid game with 332 yards passing and 3 touchdowns.
The Giants had a small bright spot, Wayne Gallman made his NFL debut with 42 rushing yards and a touchdown reception.
It poured rain in the first quarter but was clear for the rest of the game and very warm.
The Stadium
Overall Rating: B
The stadium was pretty cool, open air. The Pirate Ship throws out souvenirs every time the Buccaneers score (which unfortunately was more than I wanted). There is also a good view of George Steinbrenner Stadium and a good view of downtown Tampa Bay (from afar). There were areas right when you go through the gate to hang out with live music and drinks as well.
Love, Hate, Shout Out
Love: The Pirate Ship. Its just cool. I needed to pick something, so this is what you get as there wasn’t much that stood out about the game.
Hate: Giants are now 0-4. Enough said. Fill in thoughts of whatever makes you mad and that’s how I feel.
Shout Out: My dad. If you know my family this won’t surprise you. My dad managed to get lost coming out of the stadium, while we were all together, on the same exact ramp, all walking together. Remind you I am I wearing my classic orange Syracuse basketball jersey to a game with no orange teams, so already it is hard to miss me. Somehow he turned the wrong way and was gone. And of course he thought it was a good idea not to bring his cell phone and he doesn’t have a good sense of direction or memory. My two brothers and I looked around for a while. It was a good idea that one of us waited at the car because he eventually showed up at about an hour later.
Fan Tips
Park at the Yankees Training Facility (not to be confused with George Steinbrenner Field).
Take the escalators up to the top levels if that is where you are sitting.