Georgia-Alabama Braces for Hurricane-Disrupted Game Day
Alabama banned tailgating and all outdoor activities on campus before noon.
Georgia prepares to face Alabama in a highly anticipated SEC football game, set to take place on Saturday night despite the looming threat of Hurricane Isaias. The matchup, featuring No. 2 ranked Georgia and No. 6 Alabama, will air on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET, potentially vying for the title of the most-watched college football game of the season.
The storm intensified to a Category 3 on Friday, with the Gulf Coast bracing for its anticipated landfall. While the hurricane is expected to bypass Tuscaloosa by game time, numerous safety measures are being implemented by the university.
ESPN's "College GameDay" pregame show has shifted indoors to Alabama's Coleman Coliseum, where basketball games and other sporting events are also held. Fans will still be able to attend the event but must arrive by 5:15 a.m. CT, a significant shift from the previous 8 a.m. CT start time. Several pregame traditions have been canceled in light of the approaching storm, including the outdoor "College GameDay" pregame show, the "Kicking is Easy" contest, the "First-in-Line" prize giveaway, and the "College GameDay Scavenger Hunt."
Outdoor activities, including tailgating, have been banned on campus until noon CT on Saturday, and all pre-arrival setup is prohibited on both Friday and Saturday mornings. The weekly "Champions Lane" fan fest and the "Elephant Stomp" pep rally have also been canceled. Despite these disruptions, President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on his attendance at the game, acknowledging the potential impact of Hurricane Isaias on his travel plans.
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