Arians sees 'huge advantage' in Buccaneers playing Super Bowl at home

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will get to enjoy some of the comforts of home when they play in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium.

Head coach Bruce Arians believes being the first team to play the championship game in their home stadium works in the Bucs' favor in many ways, aside from getting to use their own locker rooms and knowing their way around their digs.

"I think the big advantage is we stay in our own beds, sleep here, and just do our normal routine. Nothing is out of the ordinary until we hit the media sessions next week. Just to be able to stay in your routine, sleep in your bed, and all that stuff - I think it's a huge advantage," Arians said Monday.

Staying put should be a welcome change for the road-weary squad - Tampa Bay hasn't had a home game since Week 17. The club has had to defeat three playoff teams on the road to reach the Super Bowl.

However, there are ways the COVID-19 protocols could work to the Kansas City Chiefs' advantage. Arians believes the Chiefs' later arrival to Tampa will play into their favor.

"I think it really helps them. Normally when you get to town for Super Bowl, everybody's pulling and tugging you - trying to get everything done the week before. Then, when you hit town, you've got all the media obligations, and your practice and gameplans are all put in," he said. "I think it's a great advantage for them (because) it's just an away game. They get to do their normal prep just like we do. Nobody's going to get tied up in all that stuff."

The two conference champions will meet on Sunday, Feb. 7.

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