Jets-Giants game changed to 2 p.m. start
FILE - Giants quarterback Eli Manning and Jets counterpart Mark Sanchez during a preseason game. Credit: Getty Images
Hurricane Irene will blow winds of change for the Jets and Giants.
Citing “obvious concerns regarding the weather forecast,” the two teams have moved their preseason game on Saturday from a 7 p.m. start to a 2 p.m. kickoff. The five hour difference should allow the game to be played and for most of the fans and participants to get home safely before the brunt of the storm hits the New York City area.
“We moved the start time based on the weather forecast and to give everybody an opportunity to get home safely after the game," Giants president and CEO John Mara said. “There are, obviously, many issues to consider. Our players played a game on Monday night, the stadium personnel has to secure the building post-game and, most importantly, the safety and welfare of Giants and Jets fans. We felt like this is the right thing to do.”
The Giants had been monitoring the forecast throughout the day yesterday and had been in contact with the league office about any potential changes to the schedule.
According to the Jets’ website, the two teams have not played a preseason afternoon game against each other since the 1970s.
