The Florida Gators have cancelled its home opener this week against Northern Colorado. The game will not be rescheduled.
Originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network, the Gators and Bears had already agreed to move the game up to noon, in an effort to play.
Every possible effort was made to play this game, but given circumstances, playing game wasn’t right thing to do. Stay safe, Floridians. https://t.co/zGVbqKshet
— Scott Stricklin (@ScottStricklin) September 7, 2017
“When you look at the impact this event could have, you have to sit back and realize what’s really important in life,” said head coach Jim McElwain. “In this case, we’re doing everything we can to help facilitate with what may occur. We’ve got a lot of kids whose families are in the state of Florida and down south. Our thoughts are with their families, first responders and any individual that may be impacted.”
Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin maintained all week the he would work closely and tirelessly to try and find a way to get the game in. on Thursday, as newer projections of the storm showed its path trending further west, making landfall in Florida and running up through the state, it was ultimately deemed too risky.
“We have been in constant communication this week with University and government officials,” said Florida Athletics Director Scott Stricklin. “As the Hurricane’s track has approached the state of Florida, it’s become obvious that playing a football game is not the right thing to do. The focus of our state and region needs to be on evacuations and relief efforts. There is a tremendous amount of stress currently on the roads of this state, and the availability of gas, water and other supplies are at critical levels. Playing a college football game Saturday would only add to that stress.
“Gainesville is also close to some of Florida’s heaviest traffic points this week, specifically Interstate 75, which is a key statewide evacuation route.”