DIRTY SOUTH: MUD WARS
The popular America II Extreme Mud Wars soon returns to St. Petersburg but oozes into a shadier new location: Lake Vista Park. Still the same: the 10 dump trucks of mud used for events that include an obstacle course, joust pit, belly-bumpers, tug-of-war, mud volleyball and ultimate football. Expect more than 600 people to muck it up in those all-day events July 14. Want to play? Teams need to register in advance, so get on it. Six to 10 members are suggested per team, which must have at least two women. All participants must be 18 or older. This year, the price has been lowered to $450 per team or $55 for an individual, but it's free to watch. Another bonus: There's a beer garden. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14. 1401 62nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Toll-free 1-877-820-2582. extrememudwars.com.
TENNIS: WIMBLEDON
It's time for the "fortnight" that is Wimbledon. The Grand Slam tournament, played on grass at the All England Club, opens Monday, with ESPN broadcasting the entire first week with daily coverage starting at 7 a.m. and lasting until 4 or 4:30 p.m. Players to watch: Grass-court specialist and defending champ Roger Federer, coming off a break that he used to prepare for summer play and maybe a meeting with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal. Garbiñe Muguruza is the defending women's champion but all eyes will be on Serena Williams and her health. Will she be seeded? For those who just want to people-watch while enjoying strawberries and cream, the word is that newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will return to cheer on friend Serena. ESPN and ESPN2 will carry the entire tournament through its July 15 conclusion and you can stream play online via the WatchESPN app.
TAMPA BAY RAYS: ASTROS LAND
Catch the World Series winning Houston Astros when they come to town for four games: Thursday and Friday (7:10 p.m.), Saturday (4:10 p.m.) and Sunday (12:10 p.m.). The Rays handed Astros ace Justin Verlander a no-decision this month in a 2-1 win, but can their luck hold out against him? After the Astros series, the Rays hit the road for the interleague Citrus Series against the Miami Marlins on Monday (7:10 p.m.), Tuesday (7:10) and Wednesday (Fourth of July afternoon game, 1:10). All games: Fox Sports Sun and 620-AM. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. Ticket prices vary by game. Toll-free 1-888-326-7297. mlb.com/rays.
MORE BASEBALL
Want to combine America's pastime with your July 4 celebration? Two area minor-league teams, the Tampa Tarpons and Clearwater Threshers, face each other Wednesday night at 6:30 with fireworks to follow. The game is at George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. (813) 673-3055.
WORLD CUP: MORE GROUP PLAY
By the time you read this, Argentina and star Lionel Messi may have been eliminated from a World Cup that's been full of surprises so far both on and off the pitch. Who knew, for example, that fans of Japan would bring trash bags to games in order to tidy up after themselves? Or that fans of Senegal would be inspired to clean up the stadium as well? Both countries are in action Thursday at 10 a.m., giving fans the choice of switching channels between games (Japan vs. Poland, FS1; Senegal vs. Colombia, Fox). Also Thursday, England plays what is shaping up to be a key game against Belgium (2 p.m., Fox) as group play winds down.
MORE SOCCER
Spend the Fourth of July evening watching the Tampa Bay Rowdies play Toronto FC II at Al Lang Stadium, which offers a great view of the downtown waterfront fireworks. 7:30 p.m. 230 First St. SE, St. Petersburg. $23.50-$80, $11 student/military. (727) 222-2000.