The football game this weekend scheduled in Gainesville between the Gators and the LSU Tigers was postponed today in a decision made jointly by LSU, the University of Florida and the SEC. Gator Athletic Director Jeremy Foley called a press conference immediately after the SEC made the decision to indefinitely postpone this weekend’s game between the Gators and the LSU Tigers to discuss the situation.
The Decision
The SEC believes that it will be impossible to play a football game here in Gainesville due to the predicted effects Hurricane Matthew will leave on the State of Florida. At this time both schools, as well as the SEC, are unaware of what date they will attempt to reschedule the game. However the SEC has stated they will do their best to reschedule the game sometime in the 2016 season and that will be handled by the league office.
From the @SEC Office: "The universities and the SEC Office will work to reschedule the game later in the 2016 season if possible."
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 6, 2016
Relocation
LSU had offered throughout the week to host the Gators in Baton Rouge this weekend, however Foley and the University of Florida declined the offer because of the short notice and questions of safety of traveling in hurricane conditions.
The SEC determined that the likelihood of damage from the storm and the lack of available emergency personnel would make it impossible to have a football game this weekend. Foley noted the seriousness of the UF-LSU series to fans, players and coaches in the press conference and said history has told why people care so much about this match up.
Ticket Refunds
Ticket refund information will come to those who purchased tickets via email. The SEC Network announced the Auburn-Mississippi State football game will be the noon kickoff slot on ESPN instead of Florida-LSU.