UCF–Georgia Tech Game In Orlando Called Off Due To Hurricane Irma Recovery
By Andy Seeley, UCF Knights // September 12, 2017
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Heeding Governor Rick Scott’s call for public universities to assist with hurricane preparation and recovery, the University of Central Florida agreed to host up to 1,000 National Guard members and 250 vehicles on campus.
That amount of personnel — in addition to the number and types of vehicles — meant that in and around Spectrum Stadium was the best place to stage recovery operations.
Therefore, the Knights’ Sept. 16 football game against Georgia Tech has been called off. The teams, American Athletic Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference explored rescheduling options.
Several hundred National Guard members were expected to stage at the UCF campus starting Monday.
“We’re honored to host the National Guard and play a part in helping our community and state recover from Irma,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White. “On behalf of our student-athletes, athletics staff and fans, I promise the Knights will do everything we can to assist in recovery efforts.”
“We are in complete agreement with the decision,” said Georgia Tech director of athletics Todd Stansbury, who served as UCF’s A.D. from 2012-15. “While we’re disappointed for both teams’ student-athletes, coaches and fans, recovering from the effects of Hurricane Irma should be and is the top priority for UCF and the entire state of Florida at this time. We wish them the very best in their recovery efforts and look forward to meeting on the gridiron down the road.”
Fans with tickets to the Georgia Tech game, including season ticket holders, can contact UCF Athletics at 407.823.1000 for information about attending a different game this season.
UCF suspended all academic activity on Sept. 7 and closed for all non-essential activity on Sept. 8. The Knights released student-athletes to return home to assist their families with Hurricane Irma issues. The university won’t reopen for students earlier than Sept. 14.
With many UCF student-athletes released to be with family through the storm, it is unclear when the entire football roster would all be able to reconvene on campus.
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