Gators cancel home opener vs. Northern Colorado because of Hurricane Irma

Game first rescheduled, then canceled

Florida Gators players Malik Davis and Nick Washington try to break up a pass to Michigan's Nick Eubanks at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators have canceled their home opener Saturday against Northern Colorado because of Hurricane Irma.

The game, which was originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and then moved to noon, was called off Thursday.

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Because the schools do not having a common open date, the game will not be rescheduled.

"We have been in constant communication this week with university and government officials," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said. "As the hurricane's track has approached the state of Florida, it's become obvious that playing a football game is not the right thing to do. The focus of our state and region needs to be on evacuations and relief efforts. There is a tremendous amount of stress currently on the roads of this state, and the availability of gas, water and other supplies are at critical levels. Playing a college football game Saturday would only add to that stress."

Those who have purchased tickets to the game will be contacted about refunds.