UCF season opener in Ireland still on despite volcanic eruption in Iceland

ORLANDO, Fla. — Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano began erupting Saturday under the country's largest glacier after a week of seismic activity rattled the area with thousands of earthquakes, the country's Meteorological Office said.

It could cause problems for University of Central Florida’s season opener in Dublin.

The Knights are scheduled to play Penn State next week, about 1,000 miles away from the volcano.

The team is scheduled to fly out Tuesday.

WFTV Sports spoke to coach George O’Leary during practice Saturday.

He said he’s not concerned about the volcano and plans for the game remain unchanged.

Iceland is about 900 miles away from Ireland, but a volcanic eruption in Iceland could produce enough ash to affect air travel.

Icelandic authorities Saturday declared a no-fly zone of 100 nautical miles by 140 nautical miles around the eruption, but did not shut down the country's airspace.

Related Story: Volcanic eruption begins under Iceland glacier

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