Orono, Maine – The University of Maine and Rhode Island football game scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Alfond Stadium has been moved to Friday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. due to Hurricane Lee, it was announced today.

All tickets issued for Saturday will be honored on Friday night. Fans unable to attend Friday evening's game may contact the ticket office for details on exchanging tickets for a future game.

Due to University parking regulations, there will be no tailgating. Fans are asked to park in the lots surrounding Alfond Stadium, free of charge, on a first come, first serve basis.

The game will no longer be broadcast locally on WVII-TV but will be live streamed on FloFootball. The game will also air on 92.9 The Ticket and nationwide GoBlackBears.com.

"A focal point of our University and Athletic department is to look out for the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes and to protect our coaches, staff and fans," Director of Athletics Jude Killy says. "Out of an abundance of caution based on the potential impact of the hurricane, and in consultation with University and other officials, as well as our friends at CAA Football and the University of Rhode Island, we believe moving the game to Friday night maximizes health and safety and gives our student-athletes the best chance to compete without interruption - and for everyone to get home safely."

Hours of operation for the athletics ticket office will remain as normal for Friday's game.

Information regarding other University of Maine athletics events scheduled for this weekend will be announced as that information becomes available.

"I am so appreciative of President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and her leadership, as well as that of head football coach Jordan Stevens for their willingness to move this game to  Friday night," Killy says. "We are continuing to stay in touch with both campus partners and government officials as the situation develops. Given the predictions of high winds and potential loss of power to this region and the great State of Maine, we did not feel pushing forward with a game on Saturday would be in anyone's best interest."

University officials are continuing to monitor the movements of Hurricane Lee. Should weather conditions or other factors that impact game day operations change, the University will make adjustments accordingly.

Stay tuned to GoBlackBears.com and our social media channels for more information as it becomes available.

-UMaine-