Weather Forces Minnesota Gophers to Move Spring Football Game

Mother Nature prevails again. Due to the forecast for rain and the potential for thunderstorms, the University of Minnesota announced Thursday that their annual spring football game will be held at their indoor athletic facility at the Athletes Village on Saturday, April 30 at 1 pm.

A news release from the university states the game will not have spectators, "Due to limited crowd space, the game will no longer be open to the public, but will still air live on BTN (Big Ten Network) and on the Gopher Radio Network."

"We are disappointed to move the game indoors," said Golden Gopher football head coach PJ Fleck. "But we wanted to do what was safe for our student-athletes and fans, and did not want to cancel the game. By moving inside, our fans can watch the game live on BTN or listen to it on the radio."

Fleck added, "We will be sure to plan a fun fan-friendly event for the fall." That will allow fans to interact with players and coaches at that time. Decorated oars and donations to the Gopher Diaper Drive will be accepted at that time.

The Gophers were also forced to move their 2019 spring game indoors.

Minnesota will open its season with three consecutive home games at Huntington Bank Stadium. New Mexico State comes to town Thursday, September 1. Western Illinois plays at the U on Saturday, September 10. The Gophers host Colorado Saturday, September 17.

The University of Minnesota is bringing back their Gopher Coaches Caravan. One of the stops will be in Rochester. Read more here.