Houlihan's Stadium: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Houlihan's Stadium in Tampa opened in 1967 as Tampa Stadium (later changed when the Glazers acquired the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and renamed the stadium after a family-owned restaurant), and saw a number of major sporting teams and events grace its fields over the years. The stadium is most closely associated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who played their NFL games there from 1976 until 1998, when they moved to Raymond James Stadium. Originally the Tampa Bay Rowdies were the soccer team of Tampa Bay, bringing home a cup victory in 1975. After the NASL disbanded, the Rowdies quickly died off. When the MLS gave Tampa the chance to have another major soccer team, many expected the revival of the Rowdies, however the Tampa Bay Mutiny was born. The Tampa Bay Mutiny started with an impressive first season, being the top in the league. In 2001 they were disbanded due to MLS reorganization. In the Mutiny's last season, they finished last. During a short stint from 1983-1985, the Tampa Bay Bandits, a USFL football team, also played in Tampa Stadium.

The stadium's capacity was 74,301, although it rarely reached full capacity in its current occupation as host for high school games, exhibition matches for various sports, festivals and concerts. (It has since been destroyed and replaced by Raymond James Stadium)