During the Virginia and Indiana football game, the continuous rainfall quickly raised questions among fans concerning the long-range forecast for UVA’s next scheduled game at Scott Stadium. Predictions a week out projected rain associated with Hurricane Florence could be over Charlottesville for the Saturday, Sept. 15 contest at 3:30 p.m.
It turns out, the uncertainty about the area weather conditions won’t be necessary … for the football game at least. With the storm’s path still unclear, but the Central Virginia area still potentially vulnerable to heavy rainfall totals, Virginia made the decision to proactively move the game to a neutral location and Ohio agreed. The contest will now be played at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 in Nashville) on Saturday.
Admission to the game is free. Vanderbilt’s clear bag policy will be in effect for the game. Television plans are still being discussed by the ACC and partner ESPN.
“Our top priority is the safety of everyone involved and I appreciate the understanding of our fans,” Virginia athletics director Carla Williams said in a news release. “We’re extremely grateful to Vanderbilt University and vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director David Williams for graciously supporting our efforts. We look forward to returning to Scott Stadium for the Louisville game on Sept. 22.”
Those who purchased tickets to the game through the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office may be able to receive a refund. That information will be posted online at VirginiaSports.com/tickets and sent by email once the logistics have been completed. Virginia Athletics will not offer refunds for tickets purchased through secondary sources.
As for the game itself, most observers believe this is a much-needed win for the Cavaliers’ hopes of earning back-to-back bowl bids for the first time since 2004 and 2005. (Coincidentally, that 2005 appearance came in the Music City Bowl in Nashville where UVA topped Minnesota, 34-31.) The Hoos enter this week’s game against the Bobcats owning a 1-1 record with non-conference tilts remaining against Ohio and Liberty.
Getting to three wins in non-conference play would require wins in both games and would put UVA halfway to the six wins needed for bowl eligibility. Recent history suggests both victories are needed to reach that mark because the Hoos have won more than three games in ACC play only once since 2008 when the 2011 team went 5-3 in league play.
