The Auburn football team transitioned to ground transportation for its upcoming contest against Mississippi State after a nationwide flight grounding disrupted original travel plans.
The team opted to travel by bus from Columbus, Georgia, to its hotel in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Friday, Nov. 13, according to the Montgomery Advertiser.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop for all flights across the United States earlier that day, citing extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns related to an air-traffic control issue.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed the situation while speaking to reporters outside the White House, noting that a “telecommunication outage throughout FAA” prompted the nationwide ground stoppage, as reported by USA TODAY.
The Tigers are scheduled to face the Bulldogs at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi.
Pre-game analysis and betting odds for the matchup were detailed extensively in coverage provided by the Montgomery Advertiser.
The travel disruption highlights the widespread impact of the technical issues facing the aviation sector, which forced numerous teams and travelers to seek alternative arrangements.
Auburn athletics officials confirmed the logistical change was necessary to ensure the team arrived in Mississippi in time for the game.
The team remains focused on the upcoming conference game despite the unconventional travel schedule caused by the ongoing federal aviation situation.
The situation remains fluid as the Federal Aviation Administration continues to address the underlying causes of the telecommunication outage.
Local reporters have continued to track the team’s progress as they move toward the stadium site to prepare for the weekend kickoff.