Multiple schools forced to cancel traditional spring football games due to bad weather
A forecast of bad weather in the Midwest has led several college football programs to cancel their spring games.
Michigan is the latest school to announce such a move, saying Wednesday that it was scrapping the game “due to weather patterns that project a high percentage chance for rain and thunderstorms on Saturday.”
JUST IN: Saturday's Spring Game has been canceled due to weather concerns.
MORE INFO » https://t.co/f4yXRUS2dg#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/zTa6hCGDqi
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 11, 2018
“We are disappointed for our fans and players’ families that this opportunity to see our team compete at Michigan Stadium will not be possible due to weather concerns,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said in a statement. “We made a decision that was in the best interest of our fans, student-athletes and volunteer staff needed to organize this event.”
Wisconsin‘s announcement came Tuesday afternoon.
“The safety of our student-athletes and fans is our utmost priority,” Badgers Athletic Director Barry Alvarez said in a statement. “The weather forecast has been pretty consistent in calling for a good chance of rain and thunderstorms on Friday. We thought it was best to make the call early to give the numerous groups involved in the game, including our team, our fans, our media partners and staff, notice of the cancellation as soon as possible.”
UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast calling for a strong chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday, the @BadgerFootball Spring Game has been cancelled
In addition, the Badgers Sports' Kids Fair has also been cancelledhttps://t.co/CmPH0jI7ic
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) April 10, 2018
Iowa State had acted a day earlier.
RELEASE: Cyclone Gridiron Club Spring Game Cancelled.
🌪️🏈🌪️ pic.twitter.com/iEWriJqSDh
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) April 9, 2018
“We know this will be disappointing for our fans and players,” Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said Monday. “The football team will use Saturday as their final practice in a closed practice similar to this spring.”
Coach Campbell talks about the decision to cancel the Spring Game. #WinInTheDark
🌪️🏈🌪️ https://t.co/Q81EIg0wEC
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) April 10, 2018
Rather than canceling its spring game, Minnesota decided to move it back to Thursday night.
#Gophers move Spring Game to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 at TCF Bank Stadium. Complete details ➡️ https://t.co/8cpgD6emmB
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) April 11, 2018
“The spring game is a reward for our players and fans, so cancelling it was not an option,” head coach P.J. Fleck said in a statement. “Moving the game from Saturday to Thursday enables us to keep it outside at TCF Bank Stadium so fans can watch our team. It will also provide a safe environment for everyone involved and will allow for our coaching staff to evaluate players in a game-like setting.”
Ohio State still plans to hold its spring game Saturday afternoon, as does Indiana.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 11, 2018
Some schools, including Purdue and Michigan State, held their spring games last weekend.
Others don’t play until later; for example, Iowa’s spring game is set for April 20.
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