Gasparilla Bowl
2026

The 2026 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Tampa Bay Bowl Week

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is one of the most fan-friendly stops on the December bowl calendar, played each year at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The 2026 edition returns in December with a matchup typically pairing a top team from the American Athletic Conference against an at-large opponent from the ACC, Sun Belt, or another partner league. The exact 2026 matchup is determined by the bowl selection committee after the regular season wraps.

The bowls history runs back to 2008, when it was first known as the St. Petersburg Bowl. It has changed sponsors and locations a few times but settled at Raymond James Stadium in 2018, giving it the NFL-grade venue and downtown Tampa setting it has now. Past matchups have featured programs like Wake Forest, UCF, South Florida, Marshall, and Florida State, with the Gasparilla Bowl Wikipedia page documenting the full history of teams and results.

Beyond the game itself, the surrounding bowl-week events make the Tampa trip worth planning. Visit Tampa Bay hosts fan rallies, team welcome receptions, and pirate-themed pregame parties in the days leading up to kickoff, and the city embraces the bowl with extra restaurant deals, hotel packages, and water-taxi rides between downtown and the Riverwalk. The pirate-ship cannons at Raymond James Stadium fire during the game, adding a one-of-a-kind soundtrack you only get at a Bucs-home venue.

For traveling fans, Raymond James Stadium sits about 15 minutes from downtown Tampa and roughly 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport. The venue holds about 65,000 fans and offers a mix of paid official lots, RV areas, and rideshare zones. Seating runs the full range, from premium club levels with covered seating and sit-down dining to upper-deck rows with skyline views and budget-friendly pricing. Mid-bowl sideline rows around the 30-to-50 yard lines are usually the most in-demand seats of the day.

Whether you are tracking the matchup through outlets like ESPN or following the AAC and ACC bowl picture all season, the Gasparilla Bowl delivers the kind of December weekend that makes Tampa a yearly tradition for bowl fans. Browse the schedule above and grab your seats today on BigStub, where over 20 years of trusted service backs every order.

How to Buy 2026 Gasparilla Bowl Tickets

Where can I buy 2026 Gasparilla Bowl tickets?

Tickets may be available through the official Gasparilla Bowl website and the Raymond James Stadium box office, plus authorized primary sellers. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee on every order.

When is the 2026 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl?

The 2026 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is scheduled for December 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The exact date and kickoff time are announced by the College Football Playoff selection committee in early December and posted on the official Gasparilla Bowl website.

What should I know about Raymond James Stadium?

Raymond James Stadium has a capacity of about 65,000 and is located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607. The venue is the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and sits about 15 minutes from downtown Tampa. Paid parking, official lots, and rideshare drop-off zones surround the stadium. Bag policies follow standard NFL-style clear-bag rules.

How do I find the best seats?

For a sideline view, target lower-bowl rows along the 30-to-50 yard lines. End-zone seats offer touchdown-angle views and are usually more budget-friendly. Upper-deck seats give a wide-open view of the field and the Tampa Bay skyline. The schedule above lets you sort by price, section, and quantity to find the right fit.

Are resale tickets on BigStub safe?

Yes. BigStub has more than 20 years of experience as a third-party ticket marketplace, holds one of the highest Trustpilot ratings in the industry, and backs every order with a full buyer guarantee. Sellers are verified, listings are screened, and customer service is available to help with any questions before or after your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl?

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. First played in 2008 as the St. Petersburg Bowl, the game now features a top team from the American Athletic Conference against an at-large opponent.

When and where is the 2026 Gasparilla Bowl?

The 2026 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is scheduled for December 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The official date and kickoff time are announced by the bowl selection committee in early December.

Who plays in the 2026 Gasparilla Bowl?

The matchup is determined by the College Football Playoff selection committees bowl assignments after the regular season ends. The game typically pairs a top American Athletic Conference team against an at-large opponent from the ACC or another partner league. Check the listings above for matchup updates.

How much do 2026 Gasparilla Bowl tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by seat section, row, and demand. The listings above show current pricing across the full stadium, from budget-friendly upper-deck seats to premium club-level options.

Where can I buy verified Gasparilla Bowl tickets?

Tickets are available through the official Gasparilla Bowl website, the Raymond James Stadium box office, and on verified resale marketplaces like BigStub. Every order on BigStub is backed by a buyer guarantee with no hidden fees.

Is the Gasparilla Bowl televised?

Yes. The Gasparilla Bowl is broadcast on ESPN as part of the December bowl lineup. Streaming is available through the ESPN app for authenticated subscribers.

Where is Raymond James Stadium located?

Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607. The venue is about 15 minutes from downtown Tampa and roughly 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport.

What is the capacity of Raymond James Stadium?

Raymond James Stadium has a capacity of about 65,000. The venue is the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has hosted the Gasparilla Bowl since 2018, along with multiple Super Bowls and major college football games.

Is there parking at Raymond James Stadium?

Yes. Raymond James Stadium offers paid parking in multiple official lots surrounding the venue, plus rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones. Arrive early on game day to avoid traffic around the stadium district.

What is the bag policy for the Gasparilla Bowl?

Raymond James Stadium follows the NFL clear-bag policy. Clear plastic bags up to 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are allowed, along with small clutch purses. Check the official venue site closer to game day for the full updated bag policy.

Are there pregame events for the Gasparilla Bowl?

Yes. The bowl hosts pirate-themed pregame events, fan rallies, team welcome receptions, and community events throughout the week leading up to kickoff. Visit Tampa Bay publishes the full bowl-week itinerary closer to game day.

Why is it called the Gasparilla Bowl?

The name comes from Jose Gaspar, the pirate legend at the center of Tampas annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The bowl game embraces the pirate theme with cannon-fire celebrations, pirate-ship visuals at Raymond James Stadium, and a Tampa-Bay-specific game-day vibe.

What is the history of the Gasparilla Bowl?

The Gasparilla Bowl was first played in 2008 as the St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field. It moved to Raymond James Stadium in 2018 and has gone through several title sponsors. Past programs in the game include Wake Forest, UCF, South Florida, Marshall, and Florida State.