Here in Champa Bay, we’re never wanting for sports news — at least our editors aren’t. And we have some trophy-sized updates to share:
The Rays’ 2026 season
Yes, we have another Rays stadium update. The Wall Street Journal reports that the team is considering a move to Omaha for the 2026 season. Rays leadership has yet to confirm the news.
The team could play at the home of the College World Series in Omaha, which seats 24,000 people and can expand to 35,000. For reference, Steinbrenner Field, where the Rays will play in 2025, seats a little over 11,000.
The news follows the City of St. Pete’s vote to issue bonds that will pay for $287.5 million of the new stadium’s $1.3 billion pricetag. All that’s left, city and county-wise, is for the Pinellas County Commission to vote on their share of the funding on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The Bucs lead the division
After this week’s sweet 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, it’s looking like we could — we’re part of the team, right — bring home another gleaming trophy come February. Right now, the Bucs lead the NFC South.
But a Super Bowl appearance is still a ways off. The Bucs need to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday, Dec. 15. And it’ll be a tough contest for Baker Mayfield and Co. — Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Then there’s another challenge against the Cowboys, the Panthers, and the Saints.
ReliaQuest Bowl updates
So, who’s taking the field for this year’s hometown bowl game? It’s definitely one to watch.
Earlier this week, leaders announced two legendary football dynasties, The Wolverines and The Tide, will face off in this year’s game on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 12 p.m. Tickets to the Raymond James showdown are on sale now.
