The Sunshine State is facing its first hurricane of the season as Tropical Storm Idalia continues to strengthen in the Caribbean Sea. The storm’s projections have it heading straight for Gainesville with a high chance of being a hurricane when it arrives in North Central Florida.
While Florida football’s season-opening game on Thursday takes place out west in Salt Lake City, Utah — far from the dangers of the impending storm — the Gators’ travel plans are cutting it close ahead of Idalia’s landing.
According to 247Sports, program officials including coaches and administration members were set to meet at 2 p.m. EDT on Monday to discuss the team’s options while the clock continues to tick. Among the alternatives on the table is flying on Wednesday evening after the storm passes — which aligns closest with its initial itinerary.
Head coach Billy Napier is expected to hold his 6:30 p.m. EDT regularly-scheduled game-week press conference, at which time an answer may be provided.
Barring any significant setbacks, the Orange and Blue opens its 2023 schedule on the road against the Utah Utes on Thursday, Aug. 31, with a kickoff time of 8 p.m. EDT.
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