Mizzou, LSU game leads to staffing shortage; could boost economy

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

The sudden change in the location for the Mizzou, LSU game has led to an event staffing shortage, according to Nicholas Joos, The Deputy Athletics Director for Communications at Mizzou Athletics.

MU officially confirmed Wednesday that Saturday's game moved to Columbia because of Hurricane Delta.

"A lot of our workers and folks that help us at games probably had other plans so now we are trying to scramble and make sure we have all the positions filled appropriately that we need to staff the game," Joos said.

On the other hand, Joos said the additional home game could be beneficial for local businesses since the game will not affect the COVID-19 health regulations for bars and restaurants.

"I think anytime you can get a large group of Mizzou fans together in our community I think that is helpful," Joos said.

A spokesperson for the Columbia/Boone County Health and Human Services Department, Scott Clardy, said so far the past home game has not caused an uptick in cases or excessive violations.

"Food establishments and bars did an great job and so we know that they know how to do it so we expect to see the same thing this time we have no reason to think otherwise," he said.

However Nic Parks, the owner of Silverball , said the larger crowds will be nice, but out of town visitors come with other issues.

"We expect to do more day business but our big concern is that our if town visitor will not know the rules and it puts us at risk of health order 'violations'," he said.

All usual COVID-19 guidelines are still in place. Parking lots will open three hours before the game and there will be no tailgating allowed on campus.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Tickets can be bought through a MyMizzou account, but Mizzou season ticket holders have the first right of refusal to purchase tickets until 2 p.m. on Thursday.

On Friday at 9 a.m., any leftover tickets will be made available to the general public.