An Evening with Brian Ford
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Tampa Bay Bucs

Wednesday, June 17, 2020
5:30PM

To Take Place Virtually Via Zoom
REGISTER NOW BY CLICKING HERE

The Indo-US Chamber of Commerce of Greater Tampa Bay invites you to this FREE online event
 

Join us for a Zoom webinar as we discuss the unprecedented times we are living in, COVID-19, race riots, Tampa Bay Bucs community efforts, and a preview of the upcoming NFL season.

Brian A. Ford, Jr. closing in on his 13th year with the organization after joining the Buccaneers in 2006 and in his role, oversees all aspects of the organization's day-to-day business operations and community involvement. He works directly with team ownership to ensure that Buccaneers fans, season pass members and corporate sponsors receive a first- in-class experience. Under Ford's leadership, the Buccaneers have consistently earned top marks among NFL teams for customer service experience, ranking No. 1 in the league's annual Voice of the Fan report five of the past seven seasons. 

Ford recently completed the oversight of a comprehensive, multi-phase renovation of Raymond James Stadium that is expected to exceed $160 million. The first stage of this project was completed in 2014 and encompassed a complete redesign of the main level concession locations. The second phase was completed for the Buccaneers' 2016 season and was highlighted by the installation of new, state-of-the-art HD video boards in each end zone and four HD tower video displays in each corner of the lower bowl, giving the stadium a total video display area in excess of 30,000 square feet – at the time, the third-largest in the NFL. Also included was a new, comprehensive sound system and concessions upgrades, in addition to the renovation of all luxury suites. The third phase of renovations, which was completed in time for the team's 2017 season, included a completely redesigned West Stadium Club, a new, 10,000 square-foot team retail store, expansion of the highly successful Hall of Fame Club, and an expansive new home team locker room. The most recent phase of renovations included a complete renovation of the East Stadium Club along with the opening of a new premium sports bar and restaurant named Bar 76 in the East Club atrium entrance. 

In addition to the stadium renovation project, Ford also oversaw the planning and construction of the team's new state-of-the-art indoor practice facility which opened prior to the start of the 2017 regular season. The 100,000 square-foot facility features a full-sized FieldTurf playing surface and includes up to 3,500 seats for viewing of select training camp practices. 

For the 2019 season, Ford is working with new food and beverage providers, Legends and retail partner, Fanatics. 

Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Ford was part of the team that opened Raymond James Stadium as the district manager with Fine Host Corporation in 1998. He remained in that capacity until 2006, when he began his career with the Buccaneers. 

An active participant in and around the Tampa Bay area, Ford is a member of the Pediatric Cancer advisory board in addition to serving on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Leadership Team, Sports Advisory Council for Special Olympics Florida, Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation and Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. 

Ford has also been a driving force and participant in the team's annual Cut for a Cure event since its inception in 2012. The event has raised over $315,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to date.

Prior to the 2016 season, Ford also became a member of the Honorary Commander 927th Air Refueling Wing, which allows business men and women from the local community an opportunity for an up close and personal experience of the policies, programs and overall mission capability of the United States Air Force. 

Ford, a native of Miramar, Florida, graduated from Florida State University in 1989 with a B.S. in business administration. In 2018, Ford was named the Alumnus of the Year from Florida State's Dedman School of Hospitality. He is an avid runner and triathlete and competes in numerous events each year, including a marathon each of the past 15 years as well as several 70.3 Half Ironman events over that same period.