The South Carolina Gamecocks have decided to give up Saturday's home game against No. 7 LSU because of devastating floods that have hit the state, moving the game to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
"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," University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides said in a statement. "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."
Athletic director Ray Tanner said officials from both schools -- as well as SEC officials -- worked together to come up with the decision. Details, such as kickoff time and ticket information for both sites, are still being finalized.
"On behalf of the South Carolina football team, we want to do the right thing and do what is best for all concerned," coach Steve Spurrier said in a statement. "It appears the best thing is to travel to LSU. We look forward to the challenge and competing against the Tigers in Baton Rouge on Saturday."
There have been at least 14 weather-related deaths in the state of South Carolina throughout the floods.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered the loss of life and property during this tragic flood," Tanner said in a statement.
The move will result in a significant financial hit for South Carolina. Projections from the athletic department's budget presentation to the board of trustees in June showed the school expected to make $3,854,476 from game ticket sales.
That was the second-highest game projection this season, with its home contest against rival Clemson on Nov. 28 expected to bring in more than $4.2 million in ticket revenue.
Tanner said the Williams-Brice Stadium field withstood more than a foot of rain from the weekend storms and is in good condition for players to use. There were some small puddles of water in a couple of areas but not enough damage to prevent the game from being played there.
The Gamecocks will continue to practice at home before leaving for Baton Rouge on Friday.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
"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," University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides said in a statement. "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."
Athletic director Ray Tanner said officials from both schools -- as well as SEC officials -- worked together to come up with the decision. Details, such as kickoff time and ticket information for both sites, are still being finalized.
"On behalf of the South Carolina football team, we want to do the right thing and do what is best for all concerned," coach Steve Spurrier said in a statement. "It appears the best thing is to travel to LSU. We look forward to the challenge and competing against the Tigers in Baton Rouge on Saturday."
There have been at least 14 weather-related deaths in the state of South Carolina throughout the floods.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered the loss of life and property during this tragic flood," Tanner said in a statement.
The move will result in a significant financial hit for South Carolina. Projections from the athletic department's budget presentation to the board of trustees in June showed the school expected to make $3,854,476 from game ticket sales.
That was the second-highest game projection this season, with its home contest against rival Clemson on Nov. 28 expected to bring in more than $4.2 million in ticket revenue.
Tanner said the Williams-Brice Stadium field withstood more than a foot of rain from the weekend storms and is in good condition for players to use. There were some small puddles of water in a couple of areas but not enough damage to prevent the game from being played there.
The Gamecocks will continue to practice at home before leaving for Baton Rouge on Friday.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
