In Tampa, Marc Topkin reported the Rays have “adjusted their schedule to avoid conflicts” with two Buccaneers home games. The Rays’ game with the Cardinals Aug. 23 at Steinbrenner Field “now will be played on Aug. 21,” a Thursday that “had been an off day for both teams.” Instead, they will have a “rare Saturday off.” The Bucs will play an exhibition game against the Bills Aug. 23 at Raymond James Stadium with a 7:35pm ET start. The Rays’ regular-season home finale Sept. 21 against the Red Sox “will be pushed back” from a planned 12:10pm start to 7:35pm. The Bucs will play their home opener against the Jets that same day, with a 1pm kickoff (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 5/24).
SHOWBOAT STRUGGLES: NBCSPORTS.com’s Mike Florio wrote Saturday’s UFL matchup between the Arlington Renegades and Memphis Showboats at Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium drew a “paltry 2,044.” Last year, the Showboats “averaged 6,900 fans at its five home games.” Including today, the team has an “average of 3,846 fans per game.” Before the 2025 season started, UFL EVP/Football Operations Daryl Johnston said that the league “will take it a season at a time in Memphis” (NBCSPORTS.com, 5/24).
