*JUST NOW: TENNESSEE VS FURMAN GAME SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW POSTPONED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER*
KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Volunteers’ season opener against the Furman Paladins, scheduled for *tomorrow at Neyland Stadium*, has been postponed.
The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced the decision at 3:20 PM today after the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning and Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Knox County. Forecasters are calling for dangerous lightning, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and 3-4 inches of rain overnight into tomorrow.
“The safety of our student-athletes, fans, staff, and the Knoxville community is our number one priority,” said UT Athletic Director Danny White. “After consulting with campus safety, local emergency management, and Furman University, we have made the decision to postpone tomorrow’s game. We understand how much everyone was looking forward to kickoff, but we cannot risk anyone’s safety.”
Both teams had final preparations planned for this evening. Furman’s team bus, already traveling from Greenville, was turned around following the announcement. All players, coaches, and staff are reported safe.
Neyland Stadium crews reported standing water in the lower bowl and surrounding parking areas this afternoon. With more severe weather expected overnight, officials said conditions tomorrow would not be safe for fans or competition.
A new date and kickoff time for the Tennessee vs Furman game will be announced in the next 48 hours. All tickets purchased for tomorrow’s game will be honored for the rescheduled date. Fans unable to attend the makeup game can request refunds through the UT ticket office beginning tonight.
Head coach Josh Heupel addressed the team after the announcement. “We were locked in for tomorrow, but this is the right call. Use the extra time to get better and, most importantly, stay safe.”
Furman head coach Clay Hendrix added: “We came to play tomorrow, but you can’t control the weather. We appreciate Tennessee working with us and we’ll be ready whenever it’s played.”
UT Athletics urged fans to monitor official channels for updates on the new date and any changes to gameday activities.
