Penn State and Central Florida are playing in Ireland on August 30th to open their respective seasons. While the odd decision to play in Europe hopes to yield a larger footprint for both universities and the NCAA, it is still a precarious move.
The trip will become even more precarious, or non-existent, if a certain volcano doesn’t cooperate. According to an Associated Press report, there is serious concern that the game might not be played.
Iceland’s Civil Protection Department said Wednesday that about 500 people were evacuated from the highlands part of the Vatnajokull glacier. The action was taken as a precaution following thousands of small earthquakes recently near Bardarbunga, a sub-glacial stratovolcano under the glacier.
Iceland is separated from Ireland by the Atlantic Ocean and about 900 miles, but a volcanic eruption in Iceland could produce volcanic ash and potentially affect flights to Europe. More than 100,000 flights were cancelled following the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokul volcano.
UCF spokesman Andy Seeley said school officials are monitoring the situation and will make the necessary adjustment ahead of their August 26th departure date.
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[ESPN]
