Those heading down to Tampa for the Outback Bowl are entering a new territory with new policies.

Forget about playing touch football in the parking lot -- the stadium has a no-throwing-footballs-or-other-objects policy.

Mike Davis, assistant director for stadium operations, said the policy is in effect because of the number of people who have injured themselves or others.

"They're not all Joe Montanas and Jerry Rices. They don't have a perfect throw," he said. "If you don't abide, the officer will confiscate your football."

The Outback Bowl kicks off at 11 a.m. New Year's Day at Raymond James Stadium.

Those planning to tailgate can park in directed parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis on game day. The cost for cars is $15, and the cost for campers and limos is $40.

"We encourage tailgating," Barbara Casey, director of communications for Tampa Sports Authority, said. "We think we have the best tailgating in the country."

Raymond James Stadium allows open containers and kegs in designated spaces in the stadium parking lot. But the areas with kegs are where the biggest problems occur, with students handing out cups of beer to whomever, Davis said.

"There's ton of cameras," he said. "Big brother is there watching ya."

Casey said the stadium has about 25 cameras set up for traffic and security purposes.

Tampa Sports Authority at Raymond James Stadium will have police officers and undercover officers scouting out underage drinkers, Casey said. The Tampa Police, Hillsborough sheriff and Florida Highway patrol are all stationed in the stadium.

Casey said the heightened policy is for the protection of students, tailgaters and people in the stadium and on the road.

Larry McKinnon, spokesman for Tampa Police, said the department's main goal is to protect guests against car jacking and ticket counterfeiting, and also ensuring everyone has a good time while being safe.

"We just ask them to be responsible," he said. "Act responsibly. Have a good time. Just be careful."

Davis said those working at the gates will ask patrons to throw out their drinks before they enter the stadium.

"No one is going to be hassled," he said.

While grills are allowed, if a grill takes up two tailgating spots, a person has to pay for two spots, Davis said.

Even though cameras and binoculars are allowed in the stadium, Tampa Sports Authority prohibits objects that can be thrown and can injure people.

One policy may cause some to chuckle. Casey said no Chucky dolls are allowed in the stadium, not only because the dolls can be thrown, but because of the stark resemblance between Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and the scary doll.

"When he gets a scowl, he looks like Chucky," she said. "When he came to [coach], we decided to make it a rule [to prohibit the dolls]."

For more information on what you can and can not bring into the stadium, visit www.raymondjames.com/stadium/policies.htm.

Raymond James Stadium's No-Nos

Infringing on another guest's area when tailgating

Saving parking spaces

Throwing or kicking balls or other objects

Disorderly conduct (including profanity)

Running or jogging

Tents without proper permits or approval

Picketing or political campaigning

Distributing handbills or pamphlets

Roll Out in Style with
Tampa Travel

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HARTline), www.hartline.org

Get to where need to go around the Tampa area using public transportation. Local one-way fares are $1.50, and express is $ 2.50. The service also offers trolley rides to downtown.

TECO Line Streetcar System, www.tecolinestreetcar.org

After sightseeing in Ybor City, visitors can hop on board a streetcar and take a trip to downtown Tampa. The streetcars run 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. For an all-day pass, adults pay $4; those 65 and over pay $2 and, children under 4 are free.

Bay Shuttle,
www.tampabayshuttle.com

If you're traveling in a large group, use a shuttle when traveling to and from the airport, your hotel and other destinations.

Taxi Services

n ABC Taxi (813) 872-8294

n Tampa Bay Taxi Co. (813) 251-5555

n Gulf Coast Transportation (813) 251-3107

n Car Rentals, www.avis.com or www.hertz.com

For more information about the Tampa Bay area check out www.visittampabay.com.