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Vols-Gators to be played in Gainesville Saturday as scheduled

The game will remain at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.  

UPDATE: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

Saturday's match-up between Tennessee and Florida will be played as scheduled, according to the SEC Office.

The game will remain at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

“The University of Florida has been diligent in assessing the impact of Hurricane Irma on the Gainesville community and has made a thoughtful decision in moving forward with the game,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said.

The decision to play was made after assessing the impact of Hurricane Irma on UF's campus as well as surrounding areas.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said they also evaluated whether they would have the necessary personnel resources to conduct the game.


“We appreciate the communication, coordination and cooperation among the many agencies and groups necessary to produce a game in a safe environment. Our prayers remain with the people of Florida as well as Texas as they recover from Hurricanes Irma and Harvey,” Sankey said.

Fans are advised to arrive earlier than normal and plan for heavier traffic as the cleanup of Irma's aftermath continues.

The University of Florida will provide an opportunity at the game for fans to contribute to hurricane relief efforts.

UPDATE: Monday, Sept. 11, 2017

Coach Butch Jones said Monday that he's preparing his team to play in Gainesville.

"We fully anticipate playing the game in Gainesville, but John Currie is on top of things and he's handling all the communication and all that," Jones said.

Tennessee Athletic Director, John Currie, is in charge of the logistics, according to Butch. Tennessee football is scheduled to play rival Florida on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Gainesville.

"So we're just getting ready to prepare a football team and John's gonna handle everything in terms of the logistics but as a football coach, we're preparing to go to Gainesville."

A report from our partners at govols247.com says that officials have discussed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as a possible alternative if the game needs to take place outside of Gainesville. Officials would like to make a decision by Tuesday.

READ MORE AT GOVOLS247.COM


ORIGINAL STORY

Tennessee football is scheduled to play rival Florida on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Gainesville.

Hurricane Irma presents a threat to the state of Florida, which is already experiencing wind and rain, and there is a chance that the game might have to be moved if the Gators are unable to host.

RELATED: Vols from Florida find outlet in Saturday's game

Butch Jones said immediately after the Vols win over Indiana State on Saturday that no conversations had taken place yet between Tennessee and Florida concerning the game. Jones was trying to take care of his more than a dozen players from Florida and make sure their families had what they needed.

A report from our partners at govols247.com says that officials have discussed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as a possible alternative if the game needs to take place outside of Gainesville. Officials would like to make a decision by Tuesday.

READ MORE AT GOVOLS247.COM

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