University of Missouri issues heat advisory for Saturday’s football game

Due to the expected extreme heat, the University of Missouri and Mizzou Athletics have issued a heat advisory for Saturday’s football home opener.

Mizzou is scheduled to begin the 2013 season Saturday against Murray State with kickoff at 6 p.m.

Athletics officials are asking fans to take safety precautions with temperatures predicted to be in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat indices near 100.

Outside Memorial Stadium, Mizzou officials are asking fans and tailgaters to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade.

Inside the stadium, extra water jugs and misting stations will be placed in the concourses and staff will hand out free cups of ice.

Fans will also be allowed to bring in one, unopened factory-sealed water bottle or an empty, non-glass bottle to refill at drinking fountains.

Mizzou officials say concession stands will be stocked with twice as much bottled water as usual.

The university will have event personnel, uniformed officers and paramedics on hand to watch for fans who may begin to suffer from heat-related illnesses.

If you’re heading to the game, check out the latest ABC 17 Stormtrack forecast.