University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond And Delaware Agree To Relocate Oct. 15 Contest To UR Stadium
Oct. 11, 2005
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond Athletics Director Jim Miller and University of Delaware Director of Athletics Edgar Johnson announced Tuesday the site of this Saturday's football game between Richmond and Delaware has been moved to UR Stadium due to unplayable field conditions at Delaware Stadium.
Nearly four inches of rain fell in Newark this past weekend and much of Delaware's Homecoming game vs. Hofstra Saturday, Oct. 8, was played in a steady rain. Delaware Stadium's natural grass field has hosted four games during the first five weeks of the season and more rain is forecast in the area for the remainder of this week.
"We pursued several options regarding this week's game vs. Richmond and determined that moving the site from Delaware Stadium was the best alternative for the two competing teams," Johnson said. "We want to ensure the fairest and most competitive playing surface and with last week's rain and this week's forecast for more we would not be able to provide that. We would not have enough time to get the field ready for play on Saturday. Our plan has been to replace the Delaware Stadium playing surface at the end of this season and we had hoped to get through this year. However, with the unprecedented rainfall last week, we've been forced to make this move. We realize the inconvenience this causes our loyal fans and we hope that they will bear with us as we work through this."
The game will be played at noon and will not be televised. Originally, the game was set to begin at 3:15 p.m. and be televised live on CN8 TV. Live radio broadcasts will be available in Virginia on the Spider Radio Network and on the internet at www.RichmondSpiders.com.
"We were happy to work with Delaware to make Saturday's game happen in a safe playing environment," Miller said. "I also want to thank our entire athletic department staff for coming together and working on what will now be a home football weekend."
Johnson noted other Delaware Valley-area stadiums were considered as alternative sites but after consulting with officials from the Atlantic 10 Conference and the University of Richmond, the 21,139-seat UR Stadium was determined to be the best option. Although the University of Richmond will provide all the staffing for game operations, the contest will be considered a home game for Delaware. Delaware will still travel to Richmond for next season's contest on Oct. 21.
"I am glad a decision was made in the best interest of all of the student-athletes involved," Richmond head football coach Dave Clawson said.
Game tickets which have already been purchased will be honored at UR Stadium gates the day of the game. All seats will be general admission. Delaware season ticket holders, whether they attend the game or not, will receive credit towards their 2006 UD football season ticket purchases by calling the UD Season Ticket Office at 302-831-2257 at the conclusion of the season.
Fans who purchased single game tickets through TicketMaster and who cannot attend the game are eligible for refunds through TicketMaster by calling 302-984-2000. Tickets are available at the Robins Center Box Office during the week, at UR Stadium on gameday or by calling 1-877-SPIDER-1. All tickets are $15 adults and $5 youngsters 12 and under. Ticket booths open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. There are NO online ticket sales. Parking is FREE; lots open at 9 a.m. and all seating will be general admission. Parking and game programs will be free.