To say that Chris Elmore and Matt Algeri love the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be an understatement. For these two lifelong fans, Buccaneers football isn’t just a pastime — it’s part of who they are. As proud members of Tampa Bay’s renowned WTB Tailgate, they’ve helped make game day an unforgettable experience for fans from all over the country. From the sizzling smells of barbecue in the lot outside Raymond James Stadium to the sea of red and pewter that fills the stands, Chris and Matt embody what it means to be part of the Bucs’ most passionate tailgating family.

But their fandom doesn’t stop in Tampa. These two tailgaters have taken their love for football on the road — traveling to stadiums across the nation, attending the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement, the NFL Draft, and the Pro Bowl, while volunteering at player charity events and connecting with fans from every team along the way. As active members of both the Tailgating Hall of Fame and the Professional Football’s Ultimate Fan Association (PFUFA), Chris and Matt have built lifelong friendships through football, turning every road trip into a reunion with fellow fans who share the same passion and spirit.

Their journey as traveling fans began like it does for so many — with a love for the game and a dream to see it played in every stadium across the league. Both Chris and Matt are Buccaneers season ticket holders, and each season they carve out time to take their fandom on the road. They travel with their wives and friends to cheer on Tampa Bay in rival cities, and each year they organize a “guys’ trip” to a new NFL venue. Whether it’s the camaraderie in the parking lots, the exchange of stories, or the warm welcome from fans in opposing colors, they’ve discovered that football’s greatest magic often happens before kickoff.

One of their most memorable adventures took them north to Minnesota, where they were hosted by Sir Vi of the Viking World Order — a brotherhood known for its deep-rooted fan traditions. From the moment they arrived, the hospitality was unmatched. Sir Vi and the VWO crew provided everything: accommodations, transportation, tickets, and a world-class tailgate that stood out even among seasoned NFL fans. The sound of the Viking horn echoing through U.S. Bank Stadium, the beating of the massive drum, and the thunderous chants of “SKOL” created a game day atmosphere unlike any other. Though Tampa Bay didn’t leave with a win, the memories of that weekend — and the friendships formed — were far more valuable than the final score.

Their stop in Green Bay offered a completely different kind of football experience — one steeped in history. Sitting front row behind the Buccaneers’ bench at Lambeau Field, Chris and Matt felt the weight of NFL tradition all around them. They were welcomed by Steve Tate, affectionately known as “The Owner,” who led them on a private tour around the stadium and shared stories about the Packers’ legacy. The pregame tailgate at Lambeau was a celebration of old-school football values — hospitality, community, and respect among fans.

Another unforgettable chapter in their travels came in Baltimore, where they were invited by Joe Carolin, a Ravens superfan who had attended the WTB Tailgate when his team visited Tampa. Eager to return the favor, Joe treated Chris and Matt to a weekend of hospitality that embodied the best of football fellowship — a stay in a beautiful hotel in Fells Point, tickets alongside him at M&T Bank Stadium, and a tailgate spread that could rival any in the country. To Chris and Matt, Joe’s generosity and camaraderie captured the very spirit of the game — fans uniting through respect and shared passion, no matter what colors they wear.

Promoting that same spirit of fellowship and sportsmanship is something Chris and Matt live out through their work with the WTB Tailgate. Every home game in Tampa is an opportunity to build connections and welcome fans from all over the league. The WTB crew prides itself on being a safe haven for fans of any team — a place where rivalries stay friendly and the love of football takes center stage. It’s not uncommon to see opposing fans, and even players’ families, enjoying the pregame festivities side by side.

Charity is another pillar of their tailgating tradition. Both men are deeply involved in giving back to the community, volunteering their time and energy to causes that make a difference. Through events, school visits, holiday food drives, and back-to-school supply collections, Chris and Matt embody the “Tailgating with a Purpose” mantra from "What the Buc Really Matters", the charity component of WTB. Each week, the WTB Krewe rallies behind a specific local charity, raising funds and awareness through their game day celebrations. For them, tailgating isn’t just about food and fun — it’s about using the platform of fandom to uplift others.

At heart, Chris Elmore and Matt Algeri are two passionate Buccaneers fans who love to get a little loud, have a lot of fun, and share their love of football wherever they go. Whether they’re firing up the grill in Tampa or making new friends in distant stadiums, they represent what the Tailgating Hall of Fame is all about — camaraderie, community, and the unbreakable bond of football fandom. If you spot these two Tampa boys at your next game, don’t hesitate to say hello — chances are, they’ll have a cold drink, a warm welcome, and a story or two to share.