Smoking, tobacco products banned at Raymond James Stadium

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The Tampa Sports Authority announced that it is banning smoking at Raymond James Stadium, starting immediately.

The authority says a smoke-free environment will make the fan experience more enjoyable.

“The need for this healthier environment was evident from fan feedback, national trends, and feedback from our tenants such as the Buccaneers and USF,” said Eric Hart, Tampa Sports Authority CEO.

It is not going over well with everyone.

“I like to smoke cigars,” Harold McCall told FOX 13. “I think [the ban] is terrible.”

There were designated smoking areas which have now been eliminated. Smokers have to finish puffing before going inside. If you leave to smoke, you’re not going to be allowed back in.

The ban includes all tobacco products, as well as vaping or e-cigarettes.

The new policy should not come as a surprise. It comes in the wake of a growing trend towards smoke-free environments.

USF went smoke-free about two years ago. Recently, a federal mandate, passed under the Obama administration, kicked in, banning smoking in and near public housing complexes.

The first event where the smoking ban will be in effect is the Taylor Swift concert August 4.