The Miami vs Florida opener in Orlando has officially been moved up a week, to Aug. 24. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 31.
The game was moved in conjunction with ESPN and the College Football 150 organization, and will be used as a totem to celebrate the beginning of a season-long celebration of the sport’s 150th birthday, which officially happens on Nov. 6.
“Moving the Camping World Kickoff to Aug. 24 is a unique and rare opportunity that showcases college football, both storied programs, and the state of Florida,” Florida AD Scott Stricklin said. “By mid-August the public is hungry for college football, and America is now going to be able to watch the Gators and Hurricanes in a marquee game a week earlier than usual. I’d anticipate the exposure for the sport of college football, and both schools, to be immense.”
“I want to thank the NCAA, ESPN, Florida Citrus Sports, CFB150, Inc., and the University of Florida for their cooperation and support throughout this process. We understand that the new game date could affect Hurricanes fans who had already made travel plans for the original game date,” Miami AD Blake James said. “We will work diligently with any of those affected to help ensure that they can still attend the Camping World Kickoff and have a great experience.”