Mar 15, 2008 2:18 pm US/Eastern
Atlanta Storm Prompts SEC Tournament Venue Change
ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) ―
Damage to Atlanta's Georgia Dome from a possible tornado has forced the Southeastern Conference to move the rest of its tournament to Georgia Tech's basketball arena.
The storm tore holes in the fabric roof of the Georgia Dome during a game between Alabama and Mississippi State last night and sent small chunks of insulation crashing on to the court. The game was stopped for more than an hour before Mississippi State won in overtime.
Georgia Tech's arena has a much smaller capacity than the Georgia Dome. The move means only players' families, cheerleaders, bands and those with working credentials will be allowed to attend the games.
The conference says it will offer ticket refunds to thousands of fans who won't be allowed in.
Since Georgia and Kentucky's scheduled matchup was called off last night, one of the teams will have to play twice today. They'll play this afternoon and the winner will play again tonight.
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