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PROVO — For the first time in eight years, BYU football is going back to the Big Easy.
After Hurricane Harvey rained out the originally contracted game in Houston, ESPN announced Monday afternoon that BYU and No. 13 Louisiana State will play in the Advocare Texas Kickoff at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
“We are sorry for the disruption to BYU fans who purchased tickets and made travel plans for Houston,” BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in a statement. “We hope many of you will be able to make necessary changes to join us in New Orleans to cheer on the Cougars. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people in South Texas who are currently facing the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey.”
Anyone who purchased tickets for the gam at NRG Stadium in Houston through the BYU ticket office, NRG Stadium or StubHub will be entitled to a full refund at the box office where the purchase was made. Third-party ticket buyers must consult with that service about refunds.
Tickets for New Orleans go on sale Tuesday via email for Cougar Club members or at BYUtickets.com.
New Orleans was one of five reported sites that were set to book the relocated game that came as a result of Hurricane Harvey, but the other sites of Dallas, Nashville, Orlando and Jacksonville slowly began falling away — leaving the Superdome standing.
BYU has not played in New Orleans since 2009, when the Cougars defeated Tulane 34-9 in the Superdome. Max Hall led the Cougars to a win that propelled BYU into the No. 7 national ranking with a flawless, punt-free offensive performance.
BYU has never played LSU, but has a 3-1 all-time record against teams from the state.
“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,” Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and events, said in a statement. “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. 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 will also be a bit of a homecoming for Cougar tight end Matt Bushman, who spent part of his childhood in New Orleans until his family left when he was 9-years-old following Hurricane Katrina. Bushman said Monday he grew up rooting for the Tigers, in addition to be being an LSU fan.
“I’m really excited. They’re a tough team, solid, and always a national powerhouse," Bushman said. "It’s the second game of my college career, and I can’t wait to play them. I know they are hard hitters, really athletic, but we just have to show our stuff Hopefully our stuff is as good as theirs.”
Elsewhere in the sporting world, Hurricane Harvey also pushed the Houston Astros’ baseball game this week against the Texas Rangers to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Texans’ preseason NFL game against Dallas was previously moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Kickoff will remain at the originally scheduled time of 7:30 p.m. MT Saturday on ESPN, who owns the game.
