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Before we dive into the game, we’d like to first and foremost give information about how you can help Houston flood victims. Click on this link to know what charities you can donate to. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this terrible tragedy.
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Houston’s devastating flooding has prompted much speculation about where BYU-LSU’s Saturday tilt will be moved.
LSU’s athletic director Joe Alleva addressed the media Monday morning. He said that he is “very confident” that the game will be played, and said that the game’s location should be decided “within the next 24 hours.”
With the game “almost certainly” to be moved from Houston, a few locations have emerged as likely destinations to host the game.
The Advocate’s (Baton Rouge, LA based newspaper) Ross Dellenger reported early Monday morning that Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, and New Orleans have emerged as four of the likeliest destinations to host the game.
The Superdome in New Orleans seemed like the most likely scenario, but potential concern over Hurricane Harvey in the area may cause ESPN to avoid putting the game there. New Orleans’ mayor said the following Monday afternoon:
Landrieu: I am recommending everyone stay home tomorrow because of uncertainty abt storm and diminished capacity of drainage system
— Jeff Adelson (@jadelson) August 28, 2017
The Dallas Cowboys’ stadium also seems unlikely with Florida-Michigan scheduled for early Saturday afternoon, but Dellenger reports that ESPN has reached out to the Cotton Bowl as a possibility.
With possible concerns of Hurricane Harvey’s impact over New Orleans and Dallas, Orlando may end of being the place. ESPN/Disney have roots in Orlando, and Orlando’s Camping World Stadium is available Saturday; LSU played its bowl game in the stadium this past December.
**Update** Orlando reporter Evan Fitzgerald reports that Orlando hosting the game seems unlikely.
No official word, but I'm told Orlando very doubtful to be site for #LSU Vs #BYU at this point. Game likely to go elsewhere. #Fox35
— Evan FitzgeraldFox35 (@EvanWFitzgerald) August 28, 2017
Joe Alleva offered LSU’s Tiger Stadium as a potential venue, but doesn’t believe ESPN would move the game to Baton Rouge.
LSU AD Joe Alleva doesn’t believe LSU-BYU game will be moved to Baton Rouge. Several neutral sites under consideration
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 28, 2017
Alleva also mentioned that ESPN may want to keep the game at a neutral site, which would eliminate Provo from the conversation.
"The Tigers are ready, if need be, to host at Tiger Stadium, but ESPN, for whatever reason, may want to keep it a neutral site affair."
— ATL Gator (@champton85) August 28, 2017
Whatever the decision is, we will likely find out Tuesday morning where the game will be played. Taking into account Hurricane Harvey’s impact, ESPN’s neutral site preference, and geographic proximity to ticket holders, Dallas seems like it may be the most likely option to host the game if New Orleans is unable.