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Best in sports this week: Extreme Mud Wars, Wimbledon, Rays, World Cup

 
DIRK SHADD   |   Times   Danny Hernandez, 44, from St. Petersburg, pulls himself through the mud going under the net while competing in the obstacle course with his team "Orange is the New Mud" during the America II: Extreme Mud Wars at Spa Beach near the pier in downtown St. Petersburg Sunday morning (07/12/15). More than 600 people broke into tens of six and competed in events including ultimate football, obstacle course, joust pit, tug-of-war, the eliminator, dodge ball, and mud ball frenzy.
DIRK SHADD | Times Danny Hernandez, 44, from St. Petersburg, pulls himself through the mud going under the net while competing in the obstacle course with his team "Orange is the New Mud" during the America II: Extreme Mud Wars at Spa Beach near the pier in downtown St. Petersburg Sunday morning (07/12/15). More than 600 people broke into tens of six and competed in events including ultimate football, obstacle course, joust pit, tug-of-war, the eliminator, dodge ball, and mud ball frenzy.
Published June 27, 2018

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.