The University of Central Oklahoma is inviting sports fans stranded by a schedule change to attend its own athletic events.
The offer follows a decision by the SEC to postpone the Oklahoma Sooners and Ole Miss Rebels football game to Sunday.
The delay was prompted by a Federal Aviation Administration ground stop that prevented the Ole Miss team from leaving Oxford, Mississippi, as reported by Yahoo News.
UCO athletic director Stan Wagnon announced that fans with tickets to the original matchup can gain free admission to the UCO football game against Missouri Western or a men’s basketball game hosting Oklahoma Christian.
Wagnon stated on social media that he understands difficult decisions must be made in extraordinary circumstances, according to a post on X.
The UCO administrator used the statement to mimic a critique issued by Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny.
Denny had previously expressed frustration regarding the impact of the rescheduling on fans and the university, as noted in an article from Yahoo Sports.
Denny wrote that the decision was not fair to athletes, the institution, or the fan base, per the official statement on X.
Wagnon further mocked the contention that Ole Miss had explored every possible avenue to reach Norman for the Saturday kickoff.
He suggested that if fans could not make it to Edmond, they could watch the UCO volleyball team compete in the conference championship, according to Yahoo Sports.
The university is located approximately 32 miles from Norman, making it a short drive for those affected by the travel disruptions.
Several other college football games also faced delays due to the nationwide aviation issues, as reported by the outlets.