Mountain West Conference commission Craig Thompson announced late Tuesday afternoon that Saturday’s football game between BYU and San Diego State has been postponed until Dec. 1. The time of the game at Qualcomm will be determined later.
“There is a far greater priority than sporting events in the San Diego area at this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “The focus should be on the emergency response and resources, and getting the community back on its feet. Our thoughts are with the colleagues at San Diego State University, as well as everyone who has been affected by this disaster.”
Qualcomm has served as the largest evacuation site in San Diego County for the wildfires that broke out on Sunday afternoon.
The MWC cited air quality, the stadium’s availability and competitive equity among the reasons for postponing the game.
San Diego State head coach Chuck Long and other coaches and staff members were forced to evacuate homes in the Poway area, and the team faced the problem of traveling to find suitable air quality for practice.
The NFL and the Chargers are evaluating the situation, but no decision has been reached as of Tuesday afternoon regarding the Chargers’ home game Sunday against the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Chargers left San Diego to practice this week in Phoenix at the Arizona Cardinals’ facilities. Many Chargers players and staff members also were among families evacuated, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
— TOM SHANAHAN