Hurricane Irma: USF Offers Free Tickets To First Responders, High School Teams

TAMPA, FL – For USF’s football team, safety came first when deciding to cancel their trip to Storrs, Conn., to play UConn because of Hurricane Irma. Now, USF is looking to give back to the folks that helped keep Floridians safe in the hurricane and for high school football programs who are experiencing cancelled games this weekend.

The University of South Florida will provide complimentary admission to its Friday game against Illinois for first responders and their families, as well as to Florida high school football teams. The nationally-televised contest was previously designated #BayMade Youth Football Night with many area youth football teams expected to be in attendance.

“It’s all about giving back, said USF head coach Charlie Strong. “We want to make sure that everyone is working to give back and get their life (together). It’s going to take a while, we know that. When things happen, we just want to make sure people understand that we do understand. We’re not going through what they’re going through, but we can help them get through what they’re going through.”

Watch: Hurricane Irma's Destructive Journey By The Numbers

First Responders

First responders can receive admission for up to four people to the game. First responders, or a family member if the first responder is working, will be asked to provide their official issued ID, or a copy if the responder is not present, at the Raymond James Stadium South Plaza Will Call ticket window on Friday evening.

“This offer is in appreciation for all designated first responders in the state and all are welcome to attend, whether they were on active duty during the recent hurricane response or not,” the school’s athletic department said in a release.

For any questions about the first responders offer, call (800) GoBulls.

“On behalf of USF Athletics, I would like to express our appreciation for the work being done by first responders across the state to assist in the recovery following Hurricane Irma,” said USF Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. “As a small token of our gratitude for their service, we’d like to offer a night to relax, be with their families and enjoy a football game.”

High School Teams

High school football teams in Florida that want to attend the game are asked to contact USF football team representatives Mike Giglio (giglio@usf.edu) or Lacey King (laceyk@usf.edu) for step-by-step instructions for admission. Pre-registration is required to receive the complimentary admission, which will be available for players and coaches of the high school teams. Requests must be received by noon on Friday, Sept. 15.

Both complimentary admission offers will be available while supplies last.

Image via Clearwater Police Department Facebook page