Buccaneers at Panthers 2017: Everything You Need To Know

TAMPA, FL – Just when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought their 2017 couldn’t get any worse, the team ended up resembling a MASH unit after their 24-21 Monday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Already missing two of its defensive captains due to injury, Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, Tampa Bay lost Robert Ayers, O.J. Howard, J.R. Sweezy, Dexter Jackson, Justin Evans, Devante Bond and Adarius Glanton, who left the game after gruesomely breaking his leg.

The injuries took its toll on the Buccaneers, especially with Jameis Winston turning in his second-best performance of his young career. While he compiled a 130.5 passer rating on 27-of-35 passing for 299 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, Winston kept Tampa Bay in the game without many of his primary targets for some or all of the game.

While the Buccaneers will look to end the season on a positive note, the Carolina Panthers are coming in flying high, winning six of seven games and all but assured a place in the 2017 playoffs. If the Panthers beat the Bucs, they will be assured a Wild Card spot. If Carolina beats both Tampa Bay and Atlanta to end the season, the Panthers can win the division if the New Orleans Saints lose once.

Here’s everything you need to know before for the Buccaneers at Panthers Week 16 matchup:

Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. Eastern

TV, Radio and Online: FOX, NFL Sunday Ticket, Buccaneers Radio Network, Buccaneers.com

Location: Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte, N.C.

Point Spread: As of Tuesday afternoon, the books listed on OddsShark.com have the Panthers favored between 10 and 11. 5 points.

Records and Standings: The Bucs enter the week in fourth place in the NFC South with a 4-10 record (0-4 division) while the Panthers enter the week with a 10-4 record (2-2 division) in a first-place tie with New Orleans. The Saints currently hold the tie breaker to win the NFC South over the Panthers.

Tickets: Verified resale tickets and standard admission seats are available starting at $55. For more information or to purchase tickets, visithttp://www.panthers.com/tickets/single-game.html?icampaign=tix_car_landing_singletix.

Parking, Directions and Tailgating: For information on parking, directions and tailgating guidelines for Bank of America Stadium, visitwww.panthers.com/stadium/directions-and-parking.html.

Clear Bag Policy: The following bags are permitted into Bank of America Stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
• This is the size of a 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags
• All bags are subject to search upon entry and are subject to additional searches within the stadium
• All items left unattended outside the gates will be disposed
• Approved bags must be carried when approaching the lines prior to entry
• Prohibited bags include coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags

Prohibited Items: The following items and behaviors are prohibited at Bank of America Stadium:

• Alcoholic beverages
• All balls, including footballs of any size
• All non-transparent bags or items, including backpacks, binocular/camera cases, cinch bags, computer bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, purses larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches
• Baby seats
• Balloons
• Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Folding chairs
• Food and beverages, except two sealed plastic non-flavored water bottles per person
• Horns, bells, whistles and other noise makers
• Illegal drugs
• Laptops
• Laser pointers
• Pets, except working service animals
• Seat cushions with covers, zippers, clasps, pockets or any other device that would allow concealment of any item
• Selfie sticks
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Video equipment
• Weapons of any kind and size, including guns, knives, scissors and those carried with a permit
• Other items that in the judgement of stadium management pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons

Image via Shutterstock