University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee Restates SEC Inclement Weather Policy
September 15, 2004 | Football
Sept. 15, 2004
The University of Tennessee is scheduled to host the University of Florida in a Southeastern Conference football game Saturday, Sept. 18, at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Eastern time, and at the current time there are no plans to deviate from that scheduled start.
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However, in response to concerns about Hurricane Ivan and its possible effect on Saturday's game, Director of Athletics Mike Hamilton and UT administrators want to assure fans that the University and the SEC have full concern for the safety of all fans, coaches and student-athletes.
Officials from the Universities of Tennessee and Florida along with the SEC will continue to monitor current weather conditions.
Procedures relating to weather issues have been in place for several years regarding sporting events. These policies are used for the playing of all sports competition in the conference.
In that regard, authority to delay or change the starting time of a game is vested in the athletics director of the home institution prior to the start of the contest. Once the contest has begun, decisions to suspend play are the responsibility of game officials on the field along with game management personnel from the home institution.
Phil Scheurer, UT vice-president for operations, has indicated that the University Center and Thompson-Boling Arena would be open and used as safe havens in case of inclement weather.
UT has the capability of determining lightning strikes within specified distances of Neyland Stadium and competition sites for all outdoor sports.
When lightning is detected within 15 miles of the competition site, the public address announcer will inform those in attendance that inclement weather, including lightning, is within 15 miles. Patrons who wish to vacate the facility for safe shelter may do so and will be allowed to reenter the contest with a ticket stub.
When lightning is detected within 6 miles of the competition site, the competition shall be suspended until lightning has subsided.
