Baseball fans, take note! The St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays series has a scheduling quirk that's raising eyebrows. Why aren't they playing on Saturday? The answer might surprise you.
Football Takes Center Stage
While Major League Baseball (MLB) typically prioritizes weekend games to maximize fan attendance, an exception has been made. The Cardinals-Rays game was moved to accommodate a Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Yes, you read that right – football trumps baseball, at least for one Saturday in Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers, whose stadium is located just a mile from the Rays' temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field, had a preseason game scheduled for Saturday evening. To avoid a direct conflict with the NFL game, which is expected to draw a large crowd and TV viewership, the Cardinals-Rays game was shifted.
Cardinals Game Details
The St. Louis Cardinals faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 22, 2025, at 6:35 pm CT. The game was broadcast on ESPN and on the radio at KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM.
Sonny Gray's Challenge
Cardinals starter Sonny Gray faced a unique challenge in the series against the Rays. Due to hurricane damage at Tropicana Field, the Rays are playing at Steinbrenner Field, a minor league park. This means Gray had to pitch in the hot and humid Florida weather, a stark contrast to the controlled climate of Tropicana Field. The heat index at first pitch was expected to be near 100 degrees, potentially impacting Gray's performance.
Fan Frustration and Attendance
The Cardinals are facing challenges beyond scheduling conflicts. Attendance has been dropping, and fan frustration is growing. Cardinals executives acknowledge the need to "earn them back" by improving the team's performance and addressing fan concerns.