Every tailgate has its nucleus—the person who coordinates the actions of those who bring the gear, fire up the grills, wrangle the music, keep the drinks cold, and, most importantly, create a space that feels like home. In Tampa, that person is Cheryl Stewart, better known by her tailgate moniker: Spent. To some, she’s a master of ceremonies. To others, she’s a sister, a mentor, a force of nature. But to everyone lucky enough to pass through the WTB lot on a Bucs gameday, she’s the beating heart of WhatTheBuc, the largest and most welcoming tailgate party in Florida.

Cheryl didn’t just build a tailgate—she helped build a community. Decades ago, her passion for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was forged in the brutal, stormy fires of early franchise fandom, back when wins were rare and loyalty was its own kind of badge. Over the years, WhatTheBuc grew from a small gathering of friends with folding chairs into a sprawling gameday ecosystem: tents lined with food tables, coolers packed to the brim, speakers pulsing with energy, and a rotating cast of superfans and first-timers all bonding under the Florida sun. If you’re lucky enough to find your way there, you’ll be welcomed with a drink, a plate, and a hug. Team colors don’t matter. Respect does.

But Cheryl’s legacy doesn’t stop at burgers and beers. Off the asphalt, she’s the founder and executive director of the What the Buc Really Matters Foundation—a nonprofit that channels the joy and power of the tailgate into real, tangible good. Formed in 2013, the foundation is Cheryl’s way of turning fan passion into community impact. Whether it’s delivering Christmas gifts to local children, helping feed hungry families, supporting military veterans, or raising funds for pediatric cancer, the foundation proves that what happens outside the stadium can mean just as much as what happens inside.

Game days are anything but ordinary at WhatTheBuc. Cheryl arrives early—often before sunrise—to prep. The smoker’s going, volunteers begin setting up tables and signage, and the day’s game plan is more than just Xs and Os. It’s about making people feel seen, known, and welcome. There's usually a charity raffle or cause to spotlight. Maybe it’s food for the homeless that week, or hygiene kits for women’s shelters. Maybe it’s a care package drive for troops overseas. The mission is always simple: make someone else’s life better than it was yesterday.

Food is a centerpiece, and Cheryl takes pride in curating an impressive spread that rivals anything you’d find in a restaurant. Pulled pork, smoked brisket, barbecue chicken, seafood—there’s something hot and hearty for everyone. Drinks are flowing. Music's thumping. Strangers become friends in minutes. It’s not uncommon to see a Bucs superfan doing Jell-O shots with a visiting Eagles fan, both roaring with laughter. That’s Cheryl’s touch—breaking down barriers, one bite and one laugh at a time.

It’s not just Buccaneers fans who appreciate her hospitality. Rival fans have long sung the praises of WhatTheBuc, often calling it the best away tailgate experience they’ve ever had. Cheryl sets the tone with a simple but profound expectation: “Don’t be an ass.” That unofficial motto has created a tailgate culture grounded in inclusion, fun, and mutual respect. It’s one of the few places in the NFL where spirited banter stays good-natured, and everyone walks away with a memory worth keeping.

Ask Cheryl what keeps her going, and she won’t give you a speech about herself. She’ll tell you it’s the people—the kids who now bring their own kids, the veterans who find peace in the crowd, the regulars who treat Sundays like sacred ground. She’s created a space where fandom meets family, where celebration meets service. And in a world that often feels divided, she’s built something that brings people together.

For all of this, Cheryl Stewart stands proudly in the THOF Spotlight—not just because of her tailgate’s size or reputation, but because of the spirit she brings to every Sunday. She reminds us that tailgating is more than food and football. It’s about connection, purpose, and heart. Whether you know her as Cheryl, Spent, or just the lady who handed you a sandwich and a smile, she’s earned her place among the very best in the Tailgating Hall of Fame.