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Plenty Of Seats Still Available

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 29, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Numbers may not lie, but attendance figures announced for training camp have seemed somewhat inaccurate.

The turnout for this year's camp appears smaller than the previous six years at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. There were plenty of available seats during the opening weekend's practices, which came as a surprise to Ocala resident Rich Hertz, who has attended Tampa Bay's past five training camps.

"This is the smallest I've ever seen the crowd," Hertz said. "On a Monday and Tuesday, yeah, you'll see a smaller crowd because people go to work, but usually on Saturday and Sunday, this place is packed. You usually had to be here early just to get a seat, but not this year."

Disney officials beg to differ.

Tony Morreale, Walt Disney World's publicity manager, said 3,054 people attended training camp on opening weekend this year, compared with 3,015 in 2007.

Regardless, those wanting to watch Tampa Bay's "free" training camp must first consult their budget.

Most people are spending around $50 on gas. Making a stop at the nearest Disney concession stand - grilled chicken ($7.19), cheeseburger basket ($6.09), hot dog basket ($5.79), nachos with cheese ($3.49), soft pretzel ($3.29), French fries ($2.13), soda ($2.39) and water ($2) - will add to the cost of watching practice.

"Gas prices are expensive, man. I don't know why that is," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "I see a pretty good turnout and hopefully it picks up as camp continues."

BY THE NUMBERS

Bucs players who have been to the Pro Bowl

Bucs players who were first-round draft picks

Bucs players who were drafted by Tampa Bay (29 by GM Bruce Allen)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Jon Gruden. He loves quarterbacks, but he likes to just date. He doesn't like to marry." - Bucs QB Jeff Garcia, when asked why Tampa Bay is always linked to free-agent quarterbacks.

Anwar S. Richardson

PLENTY OF SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

BY THE NUMBERS

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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