A historic weather incident this past weekend will have a significant impact on a college football game this weekend.
Even as they tried to work out alternatives earlier in the week, South Carolina officials confirmed in a press release Wednesday that the game against LSU, previously scheduled to be played Saturday in Columbia, will instead be played in Baton Rouge at the home of the Tigers. Historic flooding in the area triggered the decision, which was made after consultation with state and local officials, law enforcement, the SEC and LSU.
The fears of those involved in making the decision, which was made yesterday, was that 85,000 fans attending the game Saturday would exact a toll on an infrastructure that’s already stretched to its limits because of the flooding. Classes for 34,000 students had previously been cancelled.
“On behalf of the University of South Carolina Athletics Department, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered the loss of life and property during this tragic flood,” said athletic director Ray Tanner in a statement. “After much thought and consideration, and in conjunction with local and state authorities and with our own University administration, we have made the decision to move Saturday’s football game to Baton Rouge. Changing venues on such short notice is no easy task, and I would like to thank LSU President F. King Alexander and Athletics Director Joe Alleva for their cooperation and flexibility in working with us to change the site for Saturday’s football game.”
“On behalf of the South Carolina football team we want to do the right thing and do what is best for all concerned,” said head coach Steve Spurrier. “It appears the best thing is to travel to LSU. We look forward to the challenge and competing against the Tigers in Baton Rouge on Saturday.”
A kickoff time will be announced later today or tomorrow. The Gamecocks are expected to leave for Baton Rouge Friday.