Florida sports teams prep for Hurricane Milton as Bucs, Lighting evacuate

As Hurricane Milton, the strongest Gulf of Mexico storm since 2005 nears Florida, sports teams across the state are adjusting their schedules, and in some cases relocating, to ensure safety. With mass evacuations underway, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning have both left the area .

The Buccaneers have moved the team's practices to New Orleans ahead of Sunday’s away game against the Saints, while the Lightning has relocated to Raleigh, where they will face the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, Oct. 11, for their season opener. Currently, the Lightning's home opener against the Hurricanes on Saturday, Oct. 12, remains as scheduled.

In college football, the University of South Florida’s game against Memphis has been moved from Friday to Saturday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with both teams saying they will closely monitor the storm's progress prior to kickoff.

The University of Central Florida’s game against Cincinnati remains set for Saturday, though the matchup's Orlando venue is in the storm's projected path which could force schedule changes.

Meanwhile, an NBA preseason game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks has been rescheduled from Thursday, Oct 10, to next Wednesday, Oct. 16. While Miami is not expected to experience full hurricane conditions, strong winds and heavy rain are anticipated.

The post Florida sports teams prep for Hurricane Milton as Bucs, Lighting evacuate appeared first on Straight Arrow News .