Saturday's Virginia-UNC Wilmington Game Postponed

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CHARLOTTESVILLE—Saturday’s Virginia-UNC Wilmington men’s basketball game at John Paul Jones Arena has been postponed because of hazardous travel conditions caused by the heavy snowfall in the Charlottesville area. The schools will try to reschedule the game during the 2009-10 season.

“We are postponing the game in the interest of safety for the participants, staff and fans,” said Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage. “With the hazardous travel conditions caused by the extremely heavy snowfall we are concerned about individuals getting to the arena for the game, including teams, game officials and the core staff we need to play a game.”

ACC protocol indicates games should be played if both teams and two of the three game officials have arrived at the site.

“We have been in touch with the Atlantic Coast Conference office and they understand the situation,” Littlepage said. “The UNC Wilmington team is in Charlottesville as are two game officials, but the conditions are such that we are concerned about people trying to travel to the arena.”

Travel has become a serious issue in the region as the snow continues to accumulate, temperatures drop and winds pick up. Local Charlottesville-Albemarle officials are advising people to stay off the roads. Emergency crews are working throughout the area to rescue stranded drivers and to move abandoned vehicles.

“The large number of drivers who have been stranded in their vehicles is a priority for emergency workers and the University does not want to hold an event that might draw people out on the road,” Littlepage added.

The University¹s Aquatic and Fitness Center has been opened as a Red Cross emergency center to accommodate stranded travelers who cannot reach their destinations.

Tickets for the game will be valid if the game is rescheduled.