Sept. 12, 2001

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Atlantic Coast Conference has voted unanimously to postpone competition in all athletic events through Saturday as a result of Tuesday's national tragedy.

"Our athletic program and the ACC wishes to show appropriate respect for those directly affected by this extraordinary tragedy," said Deborah A. Yow, director of athletics. "We will do this by canceling all Maryland athletic events through Sunday."

Events affected at the University of Maryland include the Maryland Volleyball Invitational scheduled for Friday and Saturday, the home football game Saturday vs. West Virginia, and the men's soccer game vs. NC State on Sunday. In addition, Maryland's women's soccer and field hockey teams will not participate in previously scheduled away contests this Sunday. The soccer team was scheduled for a two-game trip to Colorado and the field hockey team had a two-game trip to Massachusetts.

The Maryland-West Virginia football game, originally scheduled to be played this Saturday at Byrd Stadium in College Park, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, an open date for both teams. Kickoff at Byrd Stadium is set for noon. The original game time was 6 p.m., but is being moved up to noon to accommodate the gala opening of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center which begins at 5 p.m. that afternoon. The Performing Arts Center is located directly across the street from Byrd Stadium and utilizes the same parking areas for their events. All tickets for the Sept. 15 date will be honored at the game on Sept. 29.

Other rescheduling information will be announced at a later time.