A planned on-campus watch party outside Florida A&M's sold-out homecoming football game against Alcorn State was abruptly canceled a little more than two hours prior to Saturday's 4 p.m. kickoff at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
As reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, an explanation did not initially accompany the announcement on social media. However, in a subsequent statement, Rattlers interim athletic director Michael Smith suggested there was a security issue with opening the Will Packer Amphitheater to overflow crowds.
FAMU athletics announced earlier in the week that the game was sold out, and that it had planned a game-viewing event to accommodate those who were unable to obtain any of the 3,000 student tickets from the allotted seats in Bragg Stadium and FAMU supporters.
FAMU athletics department, in collaboration with Student Activities and the Student Government Association, said it would show the Rattlers versus Braves Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup on multiple big screens at the Will Packer Amphitheater at the John and James S. Knight Foundation Plaza.
There is no published capacity for the amphitheater, with crowd sizes varying by event.
FAMU won the game, 33-28.
"While we were excited to add an additional option for the community to view the sold-out game, the cancelation was made to help ensure that everyone can continue to have a safe and enjoyable Homecoming experience throughout the weekend," Smith said. "We appreciate your understanding and continued Rattler spirit as we celebrate all the traditions that make Homecoming so special."
