TAMPA, Fla. – Bucco Bruce will be back. The NFL season is fast approaching, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that tickets for their remaining nine home games go on sale starting 10 a.m. July 17 (tickets for their regular-season home opener against the New Orleans Saints are already available). But a look at the home schedule offers a chance to consider some of the game themes to come, and one date includes a return of the Bucs’ knife-biting throwback mascot. The themes to be seen at Raymond James Stadium this fall feature a little of everything: The noble (breast cancer awareness vs. Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13), the festive (pirates/Halloween vs. Carolina Panthers on Oct. 24) and the patriotic (Salute to Service vs. Miami Dolphins on Nov. 11). Meanwhile, Bucco Bruce will be seen Sept. 29 against the Arizona Cardinals in Tampa Bay’s annual throwback game. Last season in Week 7, the Bucs lost 35-28 to the Saints in the creamsicle uniforms, which were worn from 1976 to 1996. Here is a complete look at the home schedule and planned themes. DATE OPPONENT GAME THEME Aug. 8 Baltimore Ravens Thank You FansAug. 29 Washington Redskins Heads Up FootballSept. 15 New Orleans Saints Back to Football/Kick-OffSept. 29 Arizona Cardinals Throwback GameOct. 13 Philadelphia Eagles A Crucial Catch (Breast Cancer Awareness)Oct. 24 Carolina Panthers Pirates/HalloweenNov. 11 Miami Dolphins Salute to Service/Ring of HonorNov. 17 Atlanta Falcons Give ThanksDec. 8 Buffalo Bills Play 60Dec. 15 San Francisco 49ers Faith and Football
