West Virginia public schools cancel classes ahead of game, Pat McAfee Show over ‘traffic’ concerns

Morgantown is gearing up for a BIG time matchup as local schools received an extra day off before the Labor Day weekend.

A day before West Virginia University football kicks off its 2024 campaign against 8th-ranked Penn State, local officials canceled classes for county schools on Friday as the area braces for increased traffic congestion ahead of the sold-out home opener.

“In consultation with MECCA 911 and local law enforcement, Monongalia County Schools will be CLOSED for students this Friday, August 30 due to the anticipated traffic congestion and potential delays affecting our bus services,” the school district announced Wednesday evening.

“Monongalia County Schools’ top priority is ensuring student safety. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this change,” the post added.

Monongalia County School District consists of 19 schools, which include 11 elementary schools, across the area.

While the Mountaineers and Nittany Lions face off at noon on Saturday, local officials are taking precautions surrounding the on-campus party 24 hours beforehand.

Pat McAfee, the two-time Pro Bowler and WVU alum, is returning to his old stomping grounds when he hosts “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday from 12-3 p.m.

“Our show will be live in Morgantown, West Virginia right before Penn State tries to walk into Morgantown,” McAfee said on a recent show. “Biggest home opener for the West Virginia Mountaineer Football team since 1998.”

“A lot of years since somebody like Penn State tried to walk in. Opening weekend, you have got to be kidding me. They don’t understand what these Morgantown fans are going to be like,” he said.

McAfee’s show will broadcast from the Life Sciences building on campus, near where the original WVU Football stadium, Mountaineer Field stood between 1924 and when it was demolished in 1987.

The show is located roughly 2 miles away from Morgantown High School, which was among Friday’s closures.

The 60,000-seat stadium’s capacity record was set on Nov. 20, 1993 when the then-number 9 Mountaineers defeated then-4th ranked Miami 17-14 in front of 70,222 fans.

Officials noted the increase in traffic will happen between 12 and 3 p.m. on Friday as McAfee airs his show and WVU classes are still in session.

Many people from out of town are expected to arrive on Friday as most local hotels are filled, according to WBOY.

Along with McAfee’s show on Friday, Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” will air from campus two hours before their noontime broadcast and will feature a live performance from rapper Machine Gun Kelly.

Friday’s school cancelations come on an already extended weekend as school’s and offices across the US observe Labor Day on Monday.