CHESHIRE - Citing potentially hazardous weather conditions, the CIAC has announced that Saturday's highly anticipated state championship showdown between rivals New Canaan and Darien will be played in Stamford.
The game originally scheduled to be played at Central Connecticut State University's Arute Field in New Britain at 2:05 p.m. will now kick off at Stamford High School's Boyle Stadium at 11:05 a.m.
The move comes following a campaign from both participating towns to change the venue to a more convenient location for players and fans. Despite the original stance of holding true to its contract with CCSU, the winter storm that is expected to impact the region forced the CIAC to relocate. Here is a statement from CASCIAC Executive Director Karissa Niehoff:
“Our primary consideration had to be making the best decisions possible to try and insure the championship games could be completed safely this weekend. The strong preference was to keep the schedule as announced and host a great event at Central Connecticut, but the threat of inclement weather and the potential that the games not be completed at all forced the issue. At that point we made what we felt is the best decision for the student-athletes and fans, and we appreciate the flexibility the Central Connecticut administration and our membership have shown.”
Additionally, the Class LL final between Southington and Fairfield Prep - originally scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at CCSU - will now be played at 1:35 p.m.
Saturday's Class L final will be the second time the two neighbors and bitter rivals will face each other this season. Darien defeated New Canaan 28-24 on Thanksgiving, handing the Rams their one loss in an otherwise-flawless season.
-Terry Dinan
