Wednesday, due to Hurricane Irma approaching south Florida, the scheduled Saturday football game at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro between Arkansas State University and the University of Miami was cancelled. Wednesday morning, ASU Athletic Director Terry Mohajir issued the following statement:
“Having lived in Palm Beach County for seven years, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in South Florida as they prepare for Hurricane Irma.
Over the past 24 hours I had numerous exchanges with University of Miami Athletics Director Blake James, offering to make additional accommodations for his players and program to assist them with their trip to Memphis and Jonesboro. This morning I spoke with Blake (James), who informed me their team will not be making the trip to Jonesboro to play in our game this Saturday.
I appreciate the Sun Belt Conference office, Commissioner Karl Benson and ESPN’s work to give us the option to move the game and broadcast to Friday night, which gave the University of Miami an alternative. Ultimately, the Miami administration made the decision not to travel.
We are currently working through all the variables associated with the game not being played. We will keep the fan base and media updated as we know more.”
UPDATED: The university also issued this statement: The annual Order of the Pack student spirit event is rescheduled to Thursday, Sept. 14, with the University of Miami Hurricanes’ cancellation of this Saturday’s game.
The 21st annual event will now precede what will be the home opener, the game with UAPB on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce has also rescheduled its annual Big Great A-State Tailgate to Friday, Sept. 15, in downtown.
For more details on festivities surrounding Order of the Pack, go online to AState.edu.
