:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61751535/Stadium.0.0.jpg)
UCF announced Monday that the Knights' football game against Georgia Tech has been called off due to the effects of Hurricane Irma.
The game was scheduled for Saturday.
NEWS: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Irma, @UCF_Football vs. Georgia Tech has been called off.
— UCF Knights (@UCFKnights) September 11, 2017
Full release https://t.co/PtQXjA7n4A pic.twitter.com/5XoCuAeO41
Irma raked through Florida late Sunday night into Monday morning, causing widespread damage, flooding and power outages from the Florida Keys and Marco Island all the way up to Jacksonville.
According to a release from the athletic department, Spectrum Stadium is playing host to a thousand National Guard personnel and more than 250 vehicles, thus making the facility unusable for a game. The Knights served dinner to the guard at the stadium Tuesday night:
Grateful that we're able to serve as a stopping point for the @NationalGuard as they make their way to locations of greatest need in FL. pic.twitter.com/lDjMFxRYMQ
— UCF (@UCF) September 12, 2017
Honored to help out the National Guard tonight as they setup shop here at @ucf pic.twitter.com/KIX82i6cDU
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 13, 2017
The release also mentioned that both teams and their respective conferences "explored rescheduling options," but did not go into further detail.
UCF Athletic Director Danny White released an additional statement via Twitter on Monday:
We're all in this together, Knight Nation. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/TNqW2qtsue
— Danny White (@UCFDannyWhite) September 11, 2017
Players were released to be with their families during the storm. The university will begin holding classes again on Monday, September 18th, with staff and personnel due to report back on Friday the 15th.
The decision to cancel the Georgia Tech game, in addition to the cancellation of the Memphis game the week before, leaves UCF with only ten scheduled regular season games this season, including five home games.
In addition, UCF Men's Soccer's September 12th home game with FIU has also been postponed, as well as Women's Soccer's game at FIU that was set for September 10th.
Volleyball is reportedly still on for their home opener Friday night.