Chiefs vs. Bucs game will stay in Tampa, not move to Minneapolis
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MINNEAPOLIS -- The matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take place in Florida on Sunday night as scheduled, the Bucs announced Thursday.
The NFL had previously said the game would take place in Minneapolis if it was forced to move because of Hurricane Ian.
Ian made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Wednesday and has been downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves across Florida.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many thousands in the Southwest Florida region who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Ian," the Buccaneers said in a statement. "We are also very thankful that the Tampa Bay area was spared the most damaging consequences of this powerful storm."
The Buccaneers said they consulted with state and local agencies before deciding to play the game at Raymond James Stadium as scheduled.
U.S Bank Stadium will be vacant on Sunday because the Vikings are in London this weekend to play the New Orleans Saints. That game will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. It's technically a home game for the Saints.
The Vikings have played three games in London previously -- two regular season in 2013 and 2017, and one preseason in 1983. They have won every game across the pond.
Tampa mayor: "We're doing our best" to keep Bucs game here
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said she and other city officials are working to keep Sunday night's Chiefs-Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium.
The NFL has not yet announced whether the game will be played in Tampa or moved to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.