Garth Brooks press conference canceled, concert still happening

Garth Brooks is still coming to UF but a severe thunderstorm delayed his visit.

At 2 p.m., the country singer’s public relations firm announced that his flight would not land in time for him to make a scheduled press conference today. Several flights were canceled after a severe thunderstorm impacted the Gainesville area.

Brooks’ private flight to the University Air Center was delayed.

“So with great regret the Garth Brooks press conference that was scheduled for 3 PM at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is now CANCELLED,” Aron Gerson, a spokesperson for Nancy Seltzer and Associates, Brooks’ public relations firm, wrote in an email.

The soundcheck is still scheduled for 7 p.m. today in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is still set to take place as well as his concert Saturday at 8 p.m at the same location.

Brooks will still host the special soundcheck event which will raise money for the University of Florida Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program, according to a press release. The soundcheck is free for UF students, but faculty and staff have to pay a specialty price through the University Athletic Association.

Gerson said that because the team will be in a rush to get Brooks to soundcheck later in the evening, he will not be able to sign autographs or take selfies, the firm said.

Garth Brooks performs "Stronger Than Me" at the 52nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)