Football Spring Game Cancelled Due to Weather, Field
4/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced today (Tuesday, April 8) the cancellation of the annual Spring Football Game that was to be held Saturday (April 12) at Michigan Stadium. Michigan will conduct a closed practice at Schembechler Hall on Saturday.
"The snow early this week and the still unknown field conditions forced us to make this decision," said executive associate athletic director Mike Stevenson, who oversees the Michigan Stadium field. "We wanted to let our fans know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly. We expect that the installation of FieldTurf will enhance spring football opportunities in the future, including the spring game."
"The safety of our players is vital," said head coach Lloyd Carr. "The uncertain status of the field makes playing a potential risk to their safety. I was really hoping to have a spring game for the public because having our players in a situation where you have a game atmosphere with a crowd is important."
This will be the fourth time since 1990 that the final spring practice has been cancelled. The Wolverines were forced to cancel the 1990 and 1991 public events due to the installation and re-sodding of Michigan Stadium, and U-M cancelled the 1996 game due to poor field conditions.
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
