SUMMER 2009

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Readers,I wanted to take this opportunity

to remember one of the most loyal Bucs fans to ever grace the stands at Raymond James Stadium. Dr. Russ Barner also known as, “The Sign Man”. The pride and joy that a Bucs game would bring to the Sign Man was unprecedented, and he brought joy to all those around him. His signs made us smile, and so did he.

We will miss you Sign Man!

LettersEdit.indd 1 7/22/09 5:13 PM

FIRST STRING

Gear Up For The Gamewww.GearUpForTheGame.com

14823 N. Florida Avenuewww.BucGear.com

Tampa, Florida 33613 www.BullsHeaven.com

813-908-2827813-908-2821 (fax)

Publisher – Jeffrey Neil FoxAssociate Publisher – Sara Ann Fox

VP of Operations – Eric FoxEditor – Ben KellerRetail Directors –

Richard Kelly, Cindy O’Donoghue, Edmund Davis, Susan Parker

Director of Community Affairs – Jim “The Colonel” GriffinGraphics – Paula Custer

Printing – Newspaper PressMailing – Southeast Print Services

Director of Development – Stephen Roger Fox

Correspondent – Samantha BondAdvertising Director – Medardo Martinez

Advertising Sales – Fran Solomon, Sunrise Marketing

Advertising Sales – Jim Allen Advertising Sales – Al Shevy

Advertising Sales – Tony HolbrookDirector of Photography – Jeffrey Neil Fox

Front Cover Photos – Jeffrey Neil Fox

Gear Up For the Game is the official magazine of Authentic Team Merchandise. The publication is wholly owned by Jesseric Enterprises, Inc. Copyright 2009 by Jesseric Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or parts is strictly prohibited without the expressed written consent of the publisher. We are dedicated and devoted to the hometown fans. For Advertising information and editorial review please contact publisher at JNF@BullsHeaven.com Gear Up For The Game is a proud member of the Carrollwood Area Business Association (C.A.B.A.).

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• “COOKEDTOORDER”BLACKENED,FRIEDOR GRILLEDSEAFOODSANDWICHES

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• MOUTH-WATERINGSAUSAGEMADE ON PREMISES EVERY DAY

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HOURS:Mon-Sat10am-6pm

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Market your business in Gear Up For The Game.

Our readers support our advertisers.Call today: 813-908-2827We are looking for advertising

executives to sell display ads for Gear Up For The Game.Call 813-908-2827 jnf@BullsHeaven.com

Pollo_0709.indd 1 7/1/09 9:47 AM

Publishers Chalk Talk by Jeffery Neil Fox

Training Camp Special Edition

Welcome to our Special Edition Training Camp issue of Gear Up For The Game. Our publication and web site www.GearUpForTheGame.com has been well received by the fans of the home town teams. We are dedicated and devoted to you, the fan, and will improve and provide more information and entertainment with each issue that we publish. Our staff consists of fan culture experts. Tailgating and homegating is a great American and Tampa Bay pastime and we want to provide you information that will make your fan events a great success. Share your ideas, recipes, traditions and photos with us. And don’t forget to support our advertisers and refer business their way. Football season is back. The crack of shoulder pads and the smell of leather footballs are in the air. Training Camp 2009 is here and the fans of Tampa Bay Buccaneers are able to watch their Pewter Pirates prepare for the start of the NFL season at One Buccaneer Place right next door to Raymond James Stadium. You will need your roster sheet this year since there have been wholesale changes to the team. There is a new general manager, new coaching staff and many new players attempting to fill roster spots before the final cut. Many football purists say the season is won in training camp. The NFL season is long and injuries plague every team. Training camp prepares the players for the hard hitting season. Back-up players need to be prepared and ready to fill in at a moment’s notice and perform at a high level. Many times players earn a starting position when they fill in for an injured player. The coaching staff’s mission is to put the best players on the field that will give the team the greatest chances of winning. If the team wins, the players don’t have to look over their shoulder and will fight their way to the playoffs. Hopefully, the Rays will finish strong and make a return appearance to the World Series. With just a few games behind the Yankees and Red Sox, this is possible. The University of South Florida Bulls are poised to play competitive football and many think this just might be the year for Coach Leavitt to lead his Bulls to the Big East Championship. The Bulls will “Finish Strong!” The Lightning have had many roster changes during their offseason in hopes to improve their chances of fielding a competitive team. We do have some great home town teams to root and hoot for. We are proud to announce that we are now part of the Pewter Nation Buccaneer Tailgate. We have organized four tailgates for four home games with Port- A Pit Bar B Que Game Day Catering. We encourage you to order your wrist bands today from GearUpForTheGame.com. For $35 you get all the Chicken, Ribs, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Condiments, Taco Bar, Italian Ice, Budweiser, Coke, Sprite and Water you want. Music will be provided by Pewter DJ Bob. The tailgate is located right across the street from Raymond James Stadium on the Southeast corner of the Hillsborough Community College campus. The official Pewter Nation tailgates will be for the following home games: Cowboys, Giants, Packers and Jets. We have

also reserved the space for when the Bucs make the playoffs. For more information on private VIP tents and to order wristbands, call us at 813-908-2827. Wrist bands can also be ordered online at www.BucGear.com or GearUpForTheGame.com. A Tampa Bay Tradition continues. Get your game face on at the Pewter Nation Tailgate. Everything is taken care of for you. Be part of the Pewter Nation and tailgate with other dedicated fans. We do want to extend our sincere sympathy to the passing of Russ Barner aka “The Sign Man”. Russ was the first fan representing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame. Russ earned his nick name “The Sign Man” by displaying signs with words of encouragement for the team, no matter what the outcome of the game. Russ would wait for the team through all hours of the night after the team would return home from away games. We will miss the Sign Man but his legacy will go on forever. We want to put in a plug for the Tampa Sports Club. This long-standing organization has been a pillar stone in the sports community for more than 4 decades. Check out their website, www.tampabayclubsport.org, for their events and consider becoming a member. Our Director of Community relations, Jim “The Colonel” Griffin, is a member and can tell you all about it. When was the last time you have been to our Authentic Team Merchandise “It’s Bucs, Bulls, Lightning and Rays Heaven” retail super center? New merchandise arrives daily, just in time for training camp. Come shop where Tampa Bay fans get their gear. If you can’t make it to our showroom, we encourage you to check out our online stores www.BucGear.com www.BullsHeaven.com www.GearUpForTheGame.com. Everything that we offer on our sales floor is available for our online customers. You can always check in with one our informed staff members at 813-908-2827. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service. You just have to show your team pride and “Gear Up For the Game” today.See you again with our fall issue when the NFL and NCAA Football will be in full swing. We are looking for the Bucs to make a return trip to the Super Bowl, The USF Bulls to win the Big East Championship, The Tampa Bay Rays to return to the World Series and the Tampa Bay Lightning to skate their way to the Stanley Cup. Go Bucs! Go Bulls! Go Rays! Go Lightning!

Jeffrey Neil FoxPublisher, Gear Up For The Game jnf@bullsheaven.com

Dr. Russ Barner aka “The Sign Man”

University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft, is

the #1 Lady Bull

ChalkTalk.indd 2-3 7/23/09 10:59 AM

he Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not hold their 2009 training camp out of town this year. Instead they decided to hold camp at their 136,320-square-foot complex at 1 Buccaneer Place on Martin Luther King Boulevard, right across the street from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. This was the fi rst time in several years that the Bucs did not have minicamp workouts at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex outside of Orlando. Before the Disney days, the Bucs held their training camp at the University of Tampa Pepin Stadium between 1987 and 2001. Having the Bucs in town for minicamp will be an excellent opportunity for Bucs fans to watch their favorite players, new and old, prepare for what promises to be an exciting season. Despite of an offseason that comprised of many front offi ce and coaching changes. Fans had the opportunity to watch drills, scrimmages and on-fi eld conditioning workouts as the Bucs prepared themselves for the 2009 season.

New head coach Raheem Morris and fi rst-year general manager Mark Dominik are reportedly excited about the change of venue for training camp. Coach Morris’ camp was very physical with lots of contact drills. This is how training camp has to be to get his players into the best shape possible for the season. Buccaneer training camp began on Saturday, August 1, 2009 with a morning practice at One Buccaneer Place. Training camp concludes on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. While fans enjoyed watching the Bucs practice at 1 Buccaneer Place, the second part of the two-a-day practices were held at Raymond James Stadium in the evening and were open to the public. The Stadium was also open to the public and parking was free. For questions about Buccaneer Training Camp or to order tickets, call the Offi ces of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (813) 870-2700.

T

by Ben Keller

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Attention Buccaneer Fans! We want you to send in pictures of your Tampa Bay Buccaneer Shrines. The best shrine will receive a prize. We encourage pictures from even the smallest of shrines. We want to see what you’ve got!

Send all your photos to benjamindkeller@gmail.com Please include captions with the photos.

GO BUCS!

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aving a get together of friends and family requires planning. The game date is set and the guest list soon develops, followed by menu planning and a shopping list. Presentation is not a manly word, but let’s face it guys, utensils are a necessity! Seriously, I attended a tail gate party where the food showed up without utensils and a dozen starving people stared at the delicious roast chicken until one brave soul began tearing off limbs. It was pretty disgusting.

At home events require making the best use of available space. Don’t overlook this important element of homegating 101! Plan around the space you have and spread out as best you can. For self service, put coolers of cold drinks away from the kitchen or family room. Use the patio, carport or garage if you have one as coolers and ice can create puddles. Use two or more coolers so that alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be easily accessed by the appropriate guests’. Also, set up a drink station with ice, disposable cups and a Sharpee for identifying each guests’ drink. Use an out of the way area away from the kitchen food prep area. A card table works well for this and a hard floor surface surrounding the area will make any accidents easier to clean up.

Snacks served in advance of a half time feast should also be served away

HHOMEGATING

HomeGating101.indd 2-3 7/23/09 11:00 AM

from the food prep area if possible. Put serving plates and napkins ina prominent place ahead of or in front of the food being set up for self service. In Florida, cooling can be an issue, so if you are serving food outdoors on a patio or pool deck, use ice trays to keep seafood and mayonnaise based items cool for the duration. Warm, droopy shrimp are not safe or appetizing.

When setting up the main meal, keep in mind the desired flow of your guests through the food station (or stations). Don’t be afraid to use disposables, but don’t use el cheapo products. Put plates first in line, followed by the food items (with serving utensils!) in the bowls. The end of the line should be an area with forks, condiments and napkins. This area should be accessible without guests having to disrupt the buffet line because someone will always realize they’ve forgotten ketchup, salt or an extra napkin.

Lastly, put out extra trash containers. If you recycle, don’t be afraid to inform guests in advance and label your receptacles accordingly. Be ready to replace and remove bags of trash as necessary. This encourages guests to pick up after themselves and relieves you of an after game nightmare mess. Plastic tablecloths are an inexpensive way of making clean up easier.

Let the games, and parties, begin.

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Rule #1 – Literally, GEAR UP FOR THE GAME! • Wear your team colors and jerseys!• Set up a canopy, protect yourself from the sun• Pack up a folding patio table and chairs• Don’t forget your Boom-Box or portable radio to listen to pre-game reports• Bring the Sunday Sports section from your teams local paper• Theme foods based upon the opponent (example Mahi-Mahi if your team is playing the Miami Dolphins)• Don’t forget your TICKETS to the game!• Bring plenty of food. • Bring a Grill• Drinks –WATER is a must, soda, juice – and if you serve alcohol, make arrangements for a desig-nated sober driver, or make other arrangement for you and your guests to get home safely• Plates, utensils, cups, napkins & paper towels• Propane tank – make sure it’s full• Lighter• Fire extinguisher• Bottle opener and can opener• Garbage bags – PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!• Sunscreen• Bug Spray• Rain poncho• Cooler & pleanty of ICE• Pre-pack as much as you can the night before, so you don’t feel rushed and unorganized the day of the game• Last thing…. HAVE A BLAST!

Rule #1: Have fun!• Get your family, friends and kids involved in decorating and planning what food to eat. Make a list.• Wear your team colors! Gear Up For The Game!• Napkins, paper towels, utensils and cups• Grill: Make sure you have backup propane, plenty of meat, chicken, veggies, hot dogs and fish. • Ask friends to bring a covered dish• Snack foods: Chips, pretzels & dip. Be creative as you want. • Coolers: You can never have enough ice and cold drinks.• “Homegate” healthy: Everyone loves fruit salad and garden salads.• Drinks: Water, soda, juice, beer, wine and mixed drinks. You can bring out your blender. (Please make sure you designate a driver to get your guests home safely if they are drinking alcohol)• Sunday Sports section• Use your imagination and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Root and hoot for the home team to emerge victories.

Tailgating ChecklistBrought to you by

Homegating Checklist Brought to you by

TAILGATING Story by Ben Keller

heFallseasonmeansonething. TailgatingSeason. InlateAugustandearlySeptember,footballfansemergefromallcornersofthecountryandfloodstadiumstobegintailgatingand supporting their favorite football teams. August andSeptemberare thebeginningsof theCollege Football SeasonandNFLFootballseasonrespectively.The beginning of football season is treated like Christmasmorning for some extreme tailgaters. The first gameof theseason provides an experienced tailgater an opportunity toshowoffallthenewgearthattheyhaveacquiredduringthe8monthsoftheyearthatlackfootball.Someofthebesttailgatingtoysarethesimplest,likeafoldingpicnictable.ThenyoucanevengetascomplexasaprojectionscreensetuponthesideofyourRV. Somefansdon’tevengointothegamefromtheparkinglot,andjusttailgatethroughouttheentiregameandwatchontheirprojectionsscreensorplasmatelevisionsthataresetupthroughgeneratorsandsatellites.The atmosphere at the first game of any football season isabsolutely electric. The excitement of the fans to see theirteamhasbeenbuildingupformonthsandtheyarepsychedtowatchtheirfavoriteteamplayfootball.Tailgatingisnotonlypracticedbeforegames,butaftergamestoo.Somefansevenstayformultipledaysbeforeandafterthegame.IfagameisonSaturday,anextremetailgatermightdrivetheirRVtothestadiumontheThursdaybeforethegameandstay through theweekenduntil Sunday. Thisway theydon’thave to fight traffic, and their accommodations are set andnobodyhastodriveafterthegameisover.Thecrucialelementtoanytailgateistohavefun.Youdon’thavetohaveahalf-milliondollarRVtoenjoyatailgatingexperience.Justgrabacouplebuddies, somebrewsandagrill andyou’llhaveyourselfagreattime.

Can’t wait for FOOTBALL SEASON!

T

TAILGATINGStory.indd 2-3 7/20/09 3:15:40 PM

TAILGATINGStory.indd 4-5 7/22/09 4:59 PM

Sunday September 13, 2009

Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Dallas Cowboys

Sunday September 27, 2009 Tampa Bay Bucs vs New York Giants

Sunday November 8, 2009 Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Green Bay Packers

Sunday December 13, 2009 Tampa Bay Bucs vs. New York Jets

Playoffs – Tailgate Dates to be announcedTailgate opens Three hours before

kickoff 10 Am and closes 1 pm*

*Times subject to change due to NFL Scheduling

Call 813-908-2827 or go to GearUpForTheGame.com

Party with fans before the following Buccaneer home games.

West Tampa Bay Blvd.

MLK Blvd.

N.

Da

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Ma

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y H

wy

N.

Him

es A

ve

.

Raymond James

Stadium

Freshly prepared BBQ Chicken, Ribs, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Pasta Bar, Taco Bar,

Cole Slaw, Condiment Bar, Italian Ice, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled WaterIce Cold Draft Budweiser and Budweiser Light Music by Pewter DJ Bob Moore.

Entry Wrist bands can be purchased online at www.GearUpForTheGame.com or call today at 813-908-2827

Private Tents available with custom menu available. Call for details and costs.813-908-BUCS(2827)Where: Across the street from Raymond James Stadium on the corner of Dale Mabry Highway

and Tampa Bay Blvd on HCC property.Limited prime game tickets are available Group and individual.

Call today for best selection and availability. Available seats are selling quickly for these games.Parking available close to the tailgate on Hillsborough Community College property

Call Today: 813-908-2827 to purchase tickets and more information Credit cards accepted. Inquire about exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities.

Brought to you by Game Day Catering, Port A Pit Bar B Que, and Authentic Team Merchandise Buccaneer Heaven.

Cost $35wristband to tailgate/pep rally includes: Entry into Tailgate Hospitality Tent.

All you can eat and drink. Opens 3 hours before kickoff.

July 24-26 at Blue JaysJuly 27-29 YankeesJuly 31 RoyalsAug 1-3 RoyalsAug 4-5 Red SoxAug 7-9 at MarinersAug 10-12 at AngelsAug 14-16 Blue JaysAug 18-20 OriolesAug 21-23 RangersAug 24-26 at Blue JaysAug 28-31 at TigersSept 1-3 Red SoxSept 4-6 TigersSept 7-9 at YankeesSept 11-13 at Red SoxSept 14-17 at OriolesSept 18-20 Blue JaysSept 22-23 MarinersSept 25-27 at RangersSept 28-30 OriolesOct 1 OriolesOct 2-4 YankeesSept 18-20 Blue JaysSept 22-23 MarinersSept 25-27 at RangersSept 28-30 OriolesOct 1 OriolesOct 2-4 Yankees

interleaguehomeaway

2009 Tampa Bay Bucs2009 Tampa Bay Bucs

Sat. Sept. 5 Wofford Sat. Sept. 12 at Western KentuckySat. Sept. 19 Charleston SouthernSat. Sept. 26 at Florida StateSat. Oct. 3 at SyracuseThu. Oct. 15 Cincinnati

Sat. Oct. 24 at PittsburghFri. Oct. 30 West Virginia

Thu. Nov. 12 at RutgersSat. Nov. 21 Louisville

Sat. Nov. 28 Miami (FL)Sat. Dec. 05 at Connecticut

2009 USF Bulls Football

Rule #1 – Literally, GEAR UP FOR THE GAME! • Wear your team colors and jerseys!• Set up a canopy, protect yourself from the sun• Pack up a folding patio table and chairs• Don’t forget your Boom-Box or portable radio to listen to pre-game reports• Bring the Sunday Sports section from your teams local paper• Theme foods based upon the opponent (example Mahi-Mahi if your team is playing the Miami Dolphins)• Don’t forget your TICKETS to the game!• Bring plenty of food. • Bring a Grill• Drinks –WATER is a must, soda, juice – and if you serve alcohol, make arrangements for a desig-nated sober driver, or make other arrangement for you and your guests to get home safely• Plates, utensils, cups, napkins & paper towels• Propane tank – make sure it’s full• Lighter• Fire extinguisher• Bottle opener and can opener• Garbage bags – PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!• Sunscreen• Bug Spray• Rain poncho• Cooler & pleanty of ICE• Pre-pack as much as you can the night before, so you don’t feel rushed and unorganized the day of the game• Last thing…. HAVE A BLAST!

Rule #1: Have fun!• Get your family, friends and kids involved in decorating and planning what food to eat. Make a list.• Wear your team colors! Gear Up For The Game!• Napkins, paper towels, utensils and cups• Grill: Make sure you have backup propane, plenty of meat, chicken, veggies, hot dogs and fish. • Ask friends to bring a covered dish• Snack foods: Chips, pretzels & dip. Be creative as you want. • Coolers: You can never have enough ice and cold drinks.• “Homegate” healthy: Everyone loves fruit salad and garden salads.• Drinks: Water, soda, juice, beer, wine and mixed drinks. You can bring out your blender. (Please make sure you designate a driver to get your guests home safely if they are drinking alcohol)• Sunday Sports section• Use your imagination and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Root and hoot for the home team to emerge victories.

Tailgating ChecklistBrought to you by

Homegating Checklist Brought to you by

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were chosen by the NFL to play one of their home games in London during the 2009 season against the New England Patriots. This is a great opportunity for the Bucs to attract some overseas fans, and also allow those fans from Tampa that are traveling to London to display the spirit and passion that Bucs fans have for Tampa Bay football. Bucs fans that travel to London need to remember to represent their team well by showing good sportsmanship and courtesy to the hosting country. This opportunity for Bucs fans to watch a football game in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Bucs fans should feel privileged to have an opportunity to watch their team play overseas since playing NFL football games in London only began in 2007. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on ESPN.com that, “Over the past two years, we (the NFL) have seen first-hand the excitement that exists for our sport in the UK.” We all know that Bucs fans are the best fans in the USA, now is our chance to become the best fans in the world. The game against the Patriots will held be at the famous Wembley Stadium. This is not the first time Tampa Bay has played football in a foreign country. To open their preseason, the Bucs played the New York Jets in Tokyo, Japan in 2003. The result was a 30-14 win. While that game did not count towards the Bucs’ regular season record, the result of this game will count. The Bucs will need every bit of support they can get, so if you have the resources, go support the Bucs in London. Remember to have fun, cheer loud, and to GEAR UP FOR THE GAME! GO BUCS!!

Book your trip to London today, Call David Miller at AAA in Brandon!(813) 681-5761

orCall Dennis Pfeiffer at Buc Fan Tours (813) 875-4155

Article by Ben Keller

LondonStory.indd 2-3 7/22/09 5:27 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays made an incredible post season run during the 2008 season. To most fan’s surprise, they Rays became the 2008 American League Champions by beating their fierce rival the Boston Red Sox, and represented the American League in the World Series against the notoriously hated Philadelphia Phillies. With the 2009 season now more than half way over, fans are starting

to wonder if the Rays can pull off another shocker. The Rays are in a tough division, but their fans know they have the talent to compete with the best. The Rays’ AL East division consists of some of the greatest teams in Major League Baseball, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Orioles. The consistent play all year against these talented and big market ball clubs is great preparation for the post season for the Rays. The biggest element to the Rays success, are their fans. When the Rays have at least 30,000 fans in the seats at Tropicana Field, they have nearly a perfect record. It’s like the fans are the 10th player on the field, and the Rays are fueled by the energy from the roaring crowd. Fans of the Rays should do everything they can to attend games if they want to see the Rays win. It’s simple – pack the ballpark,

and the Rays will more than likely win. Remember fans, the Rays could not

have made it to the World Series in 2008 without you. They Rays are motivated

by their fans and the players love to get a crowd going. Make the

pilgrimage to Tropicana Field sometime this season and catch a Rays game, you won’t

be sorry that you did. The more fans, means a better opportunity

for another October run to the World Series.

Let’s go Rays!

RaysStory.indd 2-3 7/17/09 12:34:50 PM

Barnacles Restaurant 926 Providence Road Brandon 813-653-0959

Bobalouie’s Grill & Sports Garden 1913 East Bearss Ave Tampa 813-971-1243

Gator’s Dockside 5840 Fowler Avenue Tampa 813-341-4445

Green Iguana of Brandon 6264 Winthrop Town Center Riverview 813-643-7800

Hattricks 107 S Franklin St. Tampa 813-225-4288

Hooters All Bay Area locations

LA Hang Out 16411 N Florida Ave Lutz, FL 813-964-5631

MacDinton’s 405 S Howard Avenue Tampa 813-251-8999

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub 1026 Florida Ave, Palm Harbor 727-787-7734

Press Box Sports Emporium 222 S Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa 813-876-3528

Prime Time Sports 14404 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-908-0780

Raccoons Restaurant & Lounge3240 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. #104 Valrico 813-689-5079

Rock n Sports Bar & Grille 1600 E. 8th Avenue Ste.E200 Tampa 813-242-6220

The Dog 3311 W Bay To Bay Blvd. Tampa 813-832-8211

The Rack 1809 W Platt St. Tampa 813-250-1595

Tilted Kilt 14457 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa 813-265-4900

Wild Wings Café 9210 Anderson Road Tampa 813-890-WILD (9453)

Wings Gone Wild of South Tampa 3114 Bay To Bay Blvd. Tampa 813-832-WING (9464)

“WIN BUCS GAME TICKETS” Log on to pepindistributing.com

for the party schedule.

Bud Light Sports Bar Directory

BudLight07009.indd 1 7/20/09 5:16 PM

FAN FEASTING RECIPE BY: JEFF TENENBAUM,

ATTORNEY AT GRILL

Kickin’ Kona Steak Kabobs

Instructions:Rub 5 lbs of filet tips with olive oil and then dry rub with the following:

1 Cup Kona coffee (finely ground)2 Tablespoons Spanish paprika1 Teaspoon cayenne red pepper2 tablespoons minced garlic2 Teaspoons garlic powder2 Teaspoon ground cumin2 Teaspoons dry mustard 1 Teaspoon ground fennell seeds 1 Tablespoon onion powderKosher salt to taste1 Tablespoon ground black pepper

Let marinade overnight.

Take 2 large red onions, 2 red, green and yellow bell peppers and cut them into 1x1 inch pieces. Place on skewers in alternating positions. Also use cherry tomatoes if you wish.

Grill on medium-high heat until the filet tips are medium and onion edges start to char.

FanFeast.indd 1 7/22/09 5:32 PM

Article by Ben Keller

Athletes in America are some of the most recognizable people in the country. Kids and adults alike idolize sports figures. They will spend hundreds and maybe thousands of dollars a year on tickets to see their favorite players. There is no problem with having a favorite player on your favorite team, but one has to ask, who are these individuals that we cheer and root for? In the last year several big names in the National Football League were arrested or charged with possession of a firearm. Names that come to mind are Plaxico Burress of the New York Giants and Marvin Harrison of the Indianapolis Colts. Both are in trouble with the law for firing a gun in public. Another NFL athlete in trouble with the law recently is Donte’ Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns, who was recently sentenced to 30 days in jail for a DUI manslaughter charge in Miami, FL. These are not the role models that we should want our children to worship. There are still model athletes in the NFL such as Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning, Derrick Brooks, etc. We should be focusing on these kinds of athletes that are not in trouble with the law. Unfortunately the more an athlete is in trouble with the law, the more media coverage they get. After an incident like what happened to Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg in a New York City nightclub, he becomes a fixture in the media. Kids are then exposed to this coverage and one can only imagine what thoughts come to kind when they see their favorite player in handcuffs. We should be spending more time idolizing sports figures that set a good example – players that work hard, play hard and are good sports. It’s hard to change trends, but perhaps the NFL should set some harsh standards for players with felony charges on their record. What’s your opinion? Send comments to the editor, Ben Keller, at benjamindkeller@gmail.com.

Athletes In America.indd 1 7/17/09 9:39:14 AM

Have you had the opportunity to meet some of the most accomplished professional athletes in the bay area? If the answer is no then what’s stopping you.

The Sports Club of Tampa Bay is made up of men and women who enjoy amateur and professional sports and have a commitment to help our community. By joining the club you will have the opportunity to meet some of the bay area’s most celebrated athletes and sports figures. Past guests to our dinners include Lee Roy Selmon, Angelo Dundee, Doug Williams, Jim Leavitt and many others. If you are interested in meeting local sports celebrities while giving back to the community, please feel free to attend our kick off dinner.

The Sports ClubOf

Tampa Bay

Kick Off DinnerSpecial Guest: Brad CulpepperWhen: August 31, 2009Where: Aquanox at The Westin Tampa Bay AirportAddress: 7627 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FLTime: Drinks served at 5:30pm Dinner served at 6:30pm

For RSVP inquiries, email Sports@tampasportsclub.org

For membership information, visit www.tampasportsclub.org

5259 Ehrlich Road • Tampa, Florida 33624813.908.1511 • Fax: 813.908.2920

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Arrive Alive! At just about any tailgate or homegate, you are going to find people consuming alcohol. It’s traditional to enjoy a cold beer before, during or even after a sporting event. The problem with this trend is the amount of people that attempt to drive home after drinking. In the state of Florida, the legal limit is 0.08. It’s never good to drink and drive, period. There are many ways to get to the game and get home in a safe manner. The simplest thing to do is to call a

cab. However, many sports fans will complain about long waits

after a sporting event when calling a cab company, and there are generally limited opportunities to hail a cab down after a game. The trick is to arrange for personal transportation before the sporting event, so that you’re ride is there and waiting for you when the event is over. Limo services are

plentiful and generally provide the classiest of services in terms of transportation. Driving intoxicated is the worst possible decision anybody can make. With all of the options that people have for transportation, there really is no excuse for driving under the influence. So be smart, arrange for your transportation before the game, and never attempt to drive after consuming

even a drop of alcohol.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR provided by: Ben Keller –

Editor, Gear Up For The Game

Editor,First off, I enjoyed the first issue of Gear Up For The Game very much. My

comment is on the article, “Tailgating 101.” I recently had a tailgate in the parking lot of Tropicana Field before a Rays game and I used the Tailgating checklist provided in issue one. I just wanted to say thanks for creating such a valuable list. I will now be consulting that list every time I have a tailgate since the last one I had was such a huge success. I didn’t forget a single thing! Thanks again!

Sincerely,Daniel

Daniel,

I’m thrilled to hear that our tailgating checklist helped you have such a successful tailgate. And since it was a such a crucial to the success of your tailgate, my publisher and I have decided to include the tailgating and homegating checklists in every issue of Gear Up For The Game as a staple in our magazine.

Hey there Jeffrey Neil Fox!The magazine looks awesome. I will be trying that recipe for wings soon as

it incorporates crystal sauce. Crystal, as I’m sure you are aware, is the best wing sauce base ingredient. Your commentary and explanation of Homegating was right on the mark!

Thanks,Samantha Bond

Samantha,

Thanks so much for your kind words. Also thank you for your contribution to this issue. Check out Samantha’s article titled, “Buffet for Gameday.” We at Gear Up For The Game hope that homegating becomes a staple term in the tailgating world. Keep on reading!

Send letters and photos to benjamindkeller@gmail.com

Readers,I wanted to take this opportunity to remember one of the

most loyal Bucs fans to ever grace the stands at Raymond James Stadium. Dr. Russ Barner also known as, “The Sign Man”. The pride and joy that a Bucs game would bring to the Sign Man was unprecedented, and he brought joy to all those around him. His signs made us smile, and so did he.

We will miss you Sign Man!

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