The NFL has cancelled Thursday's preseason game between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium as the Texans are now able to return home to their families following the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area sooner than anticipated.
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The game was originally moved from Houston to Dallas in order to avoid the hurricane.
The Texans released an official statement through their website on Wednesday:
"The Houston Texans have made the decision to travel back to Houston after local authorities have now found a safe route for the team to drive home today. The fourth preseason game scheduled for Thursday night in Dallas will be cancelled. At this time, the priority of our organization is getting our players, coaches and staff back home to be reunited with their families, many of whom have been evacuated from their homes and are currently sheltered. The team feels it is imperative to get back home to help the Houston community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.
Robert, Janice, Cal and Hannah McNair will make a donation equal to the money that would have been generated from ticket sales from Thursday's preseason game in Arlington to recovery and relief efforts.
Fans that have purchased tickets to Thursday's game will have the option to donate the money to relief efforts or request a refund through Ticketmaster. Further details regarding refunds will be announced later today.
The Houston Texans sincerely appreciate the support shown by the Dallas Cowboys and our NFL family during this difficult time."
Tickets for Thursday's game went on sale Tuesday night and totaled more than 40,000, with the proceeds going to the hurricane relief fund. Fans will have the option to get a refund; if not, the money will remain with the relief fund.