Contact: Joe Farris
Mississippi State will suspend classes and close campus offices at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, to help alleviate traffic problems and facilitate additional security measures as the university prepares to host the nation's first major-college football game since last week's terrorist attacks.
The Bulldogs host the University of South Carolina at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in a nationally televised game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. MSU's first home game of the season attracted more than 45,000 spectators to the newly expanded stadium.
"We realize that cancellation of afternoon classes unfortunately will present some challenges for faculty and students, but this approach provides the best opportunity to reduce the congestion and traffic hazards that would inevitably result from several thousands students and employees attempting to leave the campus at the same time the football crowd is arriving," said MSU President Malcolm Portera.
Extra security precautions, which include closing some parking lots nearest to the football stadium, will put additional pressure on traffic and parking management, Portera said.
Law enforcement agencies have advised the university to exclude vehicles from an area extending 50 yards from the stadium and to prohibit bags or backpacks in the stadium, said Athletic Director Larry Templeton.
The MSU and South Carolina football teams will participate in a pre-game tribute to the victims of last week's attacks and the ceremony will be broadcast live on ESPN, Templeton said.