The Indo-US Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual event on June 17th with Brian Ford, the Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brian spoke about the team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they have been handling their business and their planning moving forward.
Throughout the pandemic, the Buccaneers’ number one goal was to maintain safety for employees and families, while making sure that they are good community partners by helping out those on the front line. The partnerships that Brian was most proud of included: a $100,000 donation to One Tampa, a $100,000 donation to the St. Pete Fighting Chance Fund, and donating over 5 million meals to Feeding Tampa Bay.
With plans to host the Super Bowl LV on February 7th, 2021 and a team schedule put in place, Brian realizes that things are constantly changing, so they will continue to adapt to whatever comes their way. Employees, coaches, and players have been communicating via video calls such as Zoom, which has posed some challenges. It is difficult to maintain a high level of communication, while keeping everyone motivated virtually. Despite the challenges, the Buccaneers are trying their hardest to prepare for a new normal, which will be outlined by the state, and CDC. The team is working with science experts to ensure that when there is a return, that risk will be minimized as much as possible to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone.
Brian stated how proud he is of the Tampa community and how it has worked together during this difficult time and added that we need to continue to work together and help each other as a community. There will be a time for sports, but right now we need to focus on the health and safety of our community. He also mentioned that the Buccaneers are selling facial masks on their website, with all proceeds going to the prevention and spread of COVID-19. In closing, Brian reiterated that the Buccaneers would continue to work with city and county officials and the Tampa Sports Authority to ensure the highest level of safety for all employees and fans for all events at Raymond James Stadium.
