Kansas City Chiefs-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game to remain in Tampa after Hurricane Ian

Sunday night's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will continue to be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as originally scheduled, the NFL announced Thursday.

The NFL had selected U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as a contingency site for the game after the Bucs had evacuated the area because of Hurricane Ian.

«Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many thousands in the Southwest Florida region who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Ian,» the Bucs said in a statement Thursday. «We are also very thankful that the Tampa Bay area was spared the most damaging consequences of this powerful storm.

»We have informed the NFL, after consulting with local and state agencies, that we are ready to play Sunday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium as originally scheduled."

The Bucs also expressed gratitude to first responders and emergency personnel «who are already battling the elements, saving lives, and helping our neighbors in those most impacted areas to our south.»

The Buccaneers relocated their players, coaches and some of their families to the South Florida area and have been practicing at the Miami Dolphins' facility.

ESPN's Jenna Laine contributed to this report.