The Kentucky Derby is having an impact on yet another college football game.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby was postponed from May 1 to Sept. 5. That same day, the University of Kentucky was scheduled to open the 2020 football season against Eastern Michigan. The keyword there is “was,” of course, as UK announced last week its game against EMU will be played Thursday, Sept. 3.
Monday, it was announced that North Carolina State’s opener at Louisville has been moved from Thursday, Sept. 3, to Wednesday, Sept. 2. The reason? The Kentucky Derby triggered the move of a college football game, of course.
From the NC State release:Because of the nationwide pandemic, the 146th Kentucky Derby Weekend, originally set for April 30 through May 2 in Louisville, was pushed back to Sept. 3-5 and coincided with Louisville’s home opener. Thursday of Derby week has become known as “Thurby,” a traditionally highly attended event.
Due to the logistical efforts associated with the Kentucky Derby and a Louisville home football game, both schools mutually agreed to move the game up one day to avoid any conflicts for traffic and logistics. Cardinal Stadium and Churchill Downs are neighbors, with the facilities located in close proximity to one another and many attendees park at the football stadium.A time and network for the ACC matchup will be announced at a later date.