The opinions expressed in  this feature are those of the author and not necessarily those of NightMoves or AAN

The activity for the entire Super Bowl experience has been underway in Tampa Bay since last Friday. There are plenty of fan events all over the area to give sports fans, Bucs fans, Chiefs fans, football fans a taste of the biggest experience there is in professional sports. Say what you will about some of the wrong things the NFL does, this is one that is 1000% right and they do it with all the right flair and pageantry even in the face of a pandemic. It is truly a “fan experience” to remember. But as great as that all is and how much closer it brings the fans in touch with the game, it is just the opening act. Of course the main attraction is Super Bowl LV right here in our own back yard, Raymond James Stadium with our Tampa Bay Buccaneers going up against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Of course with the pandemic still raging throughout the country, there were many changes that had to be made in order for all of the events to be held and the game to be played as scheduled. First, any personal appearances by NFL players at the various fan events were cancelled out as a precaution. The mask mandate is in place and being strictly enforced both for businesses and individuals. The events are all practicing social distancing and trying to keep crowds to a minimum at the different events. Then the biggest of all and that is the 65,000 seat stadium will only have 14,000 paying fans, plus 7,500 frontline workers, nurses, doctors, etc. as guests of the NFL. So, just over 22,000 or one third of capacity will be on hand for this spectacular sporting event that will have a worldwide TV audience. With all the various camera shots taken from the Goodyear blimp of the entire area, what an incredible promotion for Tampa Bay!

Just like spring break, this event will bring thousands to Tampa Bay for a few days, a week or whatever time they have. These welcome visitors will be filling hotels, restaurants, shops and be a major boon to a Tampa Bay economy that has taken a big hit because of the pandemic. It will be a very welcome sight to see that cash flow all over the area during this week or so, but with that it also comes with risks, unfortunately. Will this be a “super spreader” event as some think it could be? Will the numbers in Florida and Tampa Bay in particular spike upwards after this is all over?  There will be people coming into town from all over the country, so who knows the answer? Have most of these visitors gotten the vaccine shot yet? Are they asymptomatic? It is going to be a dicey situation to be sure, but the NFL, the city of Tampa and the surrounding areas, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, etc. have all taken the right steps and precautions to make sure that this will be a safe event for everyone.

As for game day, the NFL and the city have made arrangements at the stadium to ensure safety and social distancing with the seating arrangements for the 22,000 that will be on hand. But it is away from the stadium where risks may be higher and more difficult to contain. Every bar and restaurant in Tampa Bay with a TV is going to be packed with people wanting to see the big game and root their Bucs on to victory. It will a challenge for the owners of these establishments to try and keep it orderly, safe and following the rules and mask mandates. Hopefully everyone understands the seriousness and will follow the protocols at these establishments and activities will remain trouble free.

Then there are the house parties and we all know there will be a ton of them going on all over Tampa Bay. This is where the biggest challenge of all comes into play. I know the “experts” keep preaching the stay at home, stay away from crowds mantra. But let’s be honest here. How many fans are going to stay at home and not venture out to a club, restaurant or private party on game day, especially this one?” Very few, and I won’t be one of them, but we will be taking precautions.

This is where those who are hosting parties in their homes have to be  smart and be safe and try to keep the number of people they invite to a smaller number and try to have social distancing in place, wearing masks and just using common sense and being careful. Yeah, it is a pain in the butt to have to enjoy a big day like this, one  we have all looked forward to for a long time, but unfortunately this is the “new normal” we are living in now and we have to deal with it as best we can.

Now, with all that said, what about the game itself? Weather wise, it will be partly sunny with temps in the 60’s, some rain expected later in the evening so weather should not be a factor. The game itself will be a battle of the “kid” against the G.O.A.T. Both teams have a solid offense with a lot of options at their disposal, so it is a lot more than Mahomes and Brady. Then you have the Bucs and Chiefs defenses that are both strong, powerful and hard to beat. The point spread is only 3.5 as of today and that is about right for this game. Because of their offenses and defenses this could be a game where both teams combine for 70 points or more or it could be a game where they might only combine for only 40 points. I don’t see a blowout by either team, but I don’t see a very low scoring game either. I think it will be a tightly fought game and will come down to which team makes the least mistakes on the field. When all is said and done I see our Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming away with the Super Bowl LV trophy in their own stadium, a first in NFL history, with a 34-31 win. GOOOOOOOO BUCS!

In closing I must say, as a veteran of the Air Force,  that I am really looking forward to the very special flyover of the B1, B2, and B-52 bombers  prior to the game. I also love the fact that it is being led by a battle tested, veteran female pilot, Capt. Sarah “Gucci” Kocuiba.

Oh, one more note: Screw the NFL……FIRE THE CANNONS!!

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN