The game was originally set to be played in Houston on Saturday
LSU’s game against BYU has a new home.
Officials announced on Monday afternoon the game will be moved to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The game is still set to be played and kickoff at 8: 30 p.m. on Saturday.
«First and foremost, we are keeping the citizens of the Houston region, and the thousands of first responders, in our thoughts during this very difficult time, » said ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and events Pete Derzis in a press release.
«Over the last 72 hours, we have been in constant contact with all entities involved, including our partners at the Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, the SEC and both institutions. Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward with the relocation.
«During the last few days, we were overwhelmed with the outreach by the communities offering to host this event, specifically, Dallas, Jacksonville, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando and San Antonio. We have great partners within those cities through the Football Bowl Association and we appreciate their energy in finding a solution.
«Efforts are underway in New Orleans and we will work with the fans, the Superdome, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and both schools throughout the week to ensure the most optimal game day experience for all.»
The game was originally set to be played in Houston at NRG Stadium but massive flooding in the Houston area associated with Hurricane Harvey forced officials to look elsewhere.
This will mark the third year in a row LSU had a game away from home moved to another location. Both of the previous games were moved to Tiger Stadium.
The first was a 2015 game against South Carolina moved due to floods, and a 2016 game against Florida moved after it was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew.
«ESPN had to make a difficult decision and we are well aware of the awful circumstance that led to this move, » LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said in a release. «Every storm is different, but we in Louisiana understand a little about what all of those in Harvey’s path are going through right now. It’s heartbreaking and our prayers go out to all who are impacted.»
LSU also lost a home game in 2015 to McNeese State because of lightning and thunderstorms in the area and the 2017 spring game was also cut short because of lightning.
LSU will be due a $4 million payout from game organizers no later than 30 days after the game, according to the game contract.
The Tigers’ last game in New Orleans was Jan. 9,2012 — a 21-0 defeat to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game. BYU last played in the Superdome in 2009, defeating Tulane 54-3.
Staff writer Christopher Dabe contributed to this report.
