South Carolina-LSU Game Moved to Baton Rouge Due to Flooding
By Kyle Koster
Saturday’s LSU-South Carolina game, originally scheduled in Columbia, has been moved to Baton Rouge due to flooding. A kickoff time has not been announced.
The university released the following statement:
"“Yesterday, we made the extremely difficult decision to cancel classes for the week due to the stress 34,000 students would place on the region’s recovering infrastructure, there is no doubt 85,000 fans would exact the same toll,” said USC President Harris Pastides. “In the spirit of supporting our South Carolina community that is so supportive of Gamecock Nation, we have decided to move the game to Baton Rouge. The stress on law enforcement and first responders is too great. Moreover, we’ve had many in the Carolina family directly impacted by the flooding.” Details for the game, including kickoff time, are being finalized with officials from LSU and the SEC. “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 Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “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,” added Tanner."
Steve Spurrier said the football team wants “to do the right thing and do what is best for all concerned.”
In addition to losing a competitive advantage, dropping a home game will have significant financial ramifications for South Carolina. The university was expected to make nearly $4 million through ticket sales.
Obviously there are more important factors at play than football. There have been 14 weather-related storms in the state over the last week.