ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies will close out their final two matches of the season at home this month, but they won't be played at Al Lang Stadium.
The team announced on Friday that the Rowdies will instead play its last two matches of the regular season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, which is about a 32-mile drive south of Al Lang.
“The impact of both Hurricanes Helene and Milton to our region has been devastating, and while we cannot continue at Al Lang Stadium, we feel fortunate to be able to finish the season in the Tampa Bay area," Rowdies President Ryan Helfrick said in a statement. “IMG Academy has a tremendous track record for hosting professional sports organizations and events, and we’re grateful for their ability to host us on such short notice. As we move through the challenges following the hurricane, our thoughts are with everyone across the region who have been impacted.”
The first match the Rowdies will host at IMG Academy will be against Hartford Athletic on Wednesday. The regular season finale will be on Saturday, Oct. 26 against Indy Eleven. Both matches will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on ESPN+, the team said.
Because stadium capacity at the IMG Academy Soccer Complex is limited, tickets will be offered exclusively to Rowdies season ticket members, according to a press release. Season ticket holders should expect to be contacted by a member of the team's ticket sales staff for more information.
Season ticket members can also choose to receive a refund for their unused tickets or receive a credit to their account for the 2025 season. Unused tickets can also be donated towards the Rowdies' hurricane relief efforts.
"Additionally, fans who purchased tickets for the final two matches will be contacted by a member of the Rowdies Tickets Sales staff," the press release reads.
"As a proud member of the local community, IMG Academy is honored to welcome the Tampa Bay Rowdies to our campus and stand alongside them during this challenging time,” Chief Operating Officer of IMG Academy Campus Mike Milliron said. “Having hosted over 20 professional soccer clubs and national teams over the last several years at IMG Academy, we’re well-prepared to deliver an unrivaled campus experience to the Rowdies organization.”
The Rowdies entered Friday sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. Their next game will be on the road against North Carolina FC this Saturday. The game will kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET and is available to stream on ESPN+.
The Rowdies can clinch their sixth straight playoff appearance with a win against North Carolina FC. Fans can watch at the club's official watch party at Colony Grill on Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. Fans wearing Rowdies gear can receive 25 percent off pizzas, according to the club.
