Dolphins and Patriots Reschedule Opener

The NFL game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins that was scheduled for Sept. 6 in Miami has been rescheduled for Oct. 18 because of continuing cleanup efforts in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. Both teams were originally off the weekend of Oct. 18.

The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. EDT at Joe Robbie Stadium, which will serve as a Red Cross fund-raising collection point during the team’s home games. The NFL said the primary reason for the shift was to assure that the game did not draw on the police, traffic control and other human resources being utilized in the cleanup effort.

“In light of this disaster, we believe switching the date of the game is a reasonable step and the most acceptable alternative to the two teams and their fans,” NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said.