What was scheduled as a 7:30 p.m. Saturday game against Northern Colorado has been moved to noon Saturday because of Hurricane Irma, UF Athletic Director Scott Stricklin announced Wednesday.
Stricklin said the latest forecast indicates "tropical" conditions will hit Gainesville on Sunday morning, with a chance of hitting Saturday night.
"So playing the game at 7:30 obviously wasn't a smart move," he said. "Moving it to noon hopefully will allow those who can travel get here and get back in a safe place before nightfall and before serious conditions hit this particular area."
Stricklin said he hopes the change will free up hotel rooms for people taking cover from Hurricane Irma.
Stricklin said the game won't be moved to Friday because the school doesn't want fans driving at night in potentially dangerous conditions. He added that having a football game on a school day could be distracting for students.
The game was initially slated to be broadcast on SEC Network, but with the time change, the game will be exclusively streamed on SEC Network+ and Watch ESPN.
There will not be any overnight parking available on campus Saturday night after the game, UF announced.
"There's a lot of people who normally would come to a Gator game this weekend in parts of the state that just aren't going to be able to make it," Stricklin said. "We ask everyone to consider their own safety first, and the safety of others when making any plans this weekend."
This is a developing story that will continue to be updated.
Florida Field during the weather delay that resulted in the cancellation of Florida's opener against Idaho in 2014.
