As the threat to Florida from Category 5 Hurricane Irma increased late Thursday, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ and University of Memphis agreed to suspend their football game Friday night.
Heeding Governor Rick Scottβs Thursday night declaration for all public universities to focus on storm preparation, the teams agreed not to play at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The game had previously been moved from Saturday at 8 p.m.
It was not immediately clear if the teams would be able to reschedule the game later in the season.
The ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ womenβs soccer game vs. LSU at 2 p.m. Friday has also been called off.
βOut of an abundance of caution, we agree that the game should not be played on Friday,β ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White and Memphis Athletic Director Tom Bowen said in a joint statement. βWe agree with Governor Scott that preparation for Hurricane Irma should be the top priority for the state. While our fans will no doubt be disappointed, we know they understand that safety has to come first.β
ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ cancelled class on Thursday to allow students to evacuate or make hurricane preparations. The university is closed Friday through Monday and will evaluate when to reopen based on Irmaβs impact to Central Florida.
βI greatly appreciate the flexibility and consideration Memphis and the American Conference has shown during this statewide emergency,β White said. βI couldnβt have asked for better partnership from Tom or Commissioner Aresco during this very difficult time for our state.β
ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ next plays at home vs. Georgia Tech on Sept. 16. Memphis hosts UCLA on Sept. 16.