It looks like a schedule 2011 regular season game in London won’t be a casualty of the current work stoppage after all.
ESPNChicago.com reports that the Bucs will “host” the Bears during the 2011 season. The story was first reported by “The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show” on ESPN 1000, then quickly confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and WDAE in Tampa.
This will be the second time the Bucs have had a home game in London. The Patriots routed them there in 2009.
Surely, the close ties of the Glazer family to London was the biggest factor here. Glazer owns Manchester United of the Premier League and appears to be attempting to create a foothold in England.
Another factor, of course: The Bucs don’t sell out any of their home games.
At least their fans will be able to watch this one on television.