Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins Game Rescheduled

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans will get to see a preseason match up against the Washington Redskins a little early thanks to anticipated severe weather.

The Buccaneers announced Tuesday that the scheduled Sept. 1 game at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium has been moved to Wednesday, Aug. 31. Kickoff time is set for 8 p.m. EST.

“We have been in regular communication with administrators from the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the National Weather Service over the past day as it has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford in a statement.

The decision to move the game was made to ensure safety for fans, players and stadium staff, Ford added.

As of Tuesday’s 5 p.m. update from the hurricane center, Tropical Depression Nine was located about 345 miles west of Key West. It was moving northwest at 5 mph and packing maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

The depression is expected to gain tropical storm status by sometime Tuesday evening. It is expected to make landfall along the west coast of Florida or near the Panhandle on Thursday.

Wednesday's game will air on WFLA Channel 8 in the Tampa Bay area.

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