The LSU-BYU game has officially been moved to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The game was originally scheduled to take place at NRG Stadium in Houston on September 2, but due to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey it has been relocated. The storm has dumped nearly 40 inches of rain in the Houston area, and is expected to move closer towards 50.
“[The] first thing I want to do is give our thoughts and prayers to Houston,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said in a press conference on Monday.
Alleva said he had been in constant contact with BYU, but that the decision on where the game would be played was ESPN’s decision.
“First and foremost, we are keeping the citizens of the Houston region, and the thousands of first responders, in our thoughts during this very difficult time,” said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and events, in a press release. “Over the last 72 hours, we have been in constant contact with all entities involved, including our partners at the Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, the SEC and both institutions. Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward with the relocation.”
“Efforts are underway in New Orleans and we will work with the fans, the Superdome, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and both schools throughout the week to ensure the most optimal game day experience for all.”
The Superdome was one of six locations considered to host the game. The last time the Tigers played in the Superdome was the 2012 National Championship game against Alabama.
“During the last few days, we were overwhelmed with the outreach by the communities offering to host this event, specifically, Dallas, Jacksonville, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando and San Antonio,” said Derzis. “We have great partners within those cities through the Football Bowl Association and we appreciate their energy in finding a solution.”
“I want to thank my staff here, ESPN, NRG officials and BYU for the professionalism with which this was all conducted,” said Alleva in a press release.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe sent out the following tweet after the news of the relocation broke.
LSU announced in the press release that tickets and parking passes purchased through the LSU ticket office for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will be automatically refunded beginning Tuesday, August 29. Ticketholders can expect to see the balance of their purchase refunded by September 5.
LSU will announce when tickets become available for purchase.
