The U.S. Soccer Federation and Hampton Roads Mariners have jointly agreed to postpone the U.S. Open Cup final between the Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew to Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The match, which will still be played at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va., was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26, but has been pushed back 24 hours because of the expected impact from Hurricane Bonnie, which is due to hit the area on Wednesday. Virginia governor Jim Gilmore has already issued a state of emergency and declared Hampton Roads an anticipated disaster area. “Naturally, we are very disappointed about the change, but we have no choice,” said U.S. Soccer spokesperson Emilio Pozzi. “The safety of the fans, players and officials must always come first. Both Columbus and Chicago have arrived safely and will stay in the area for the week.” The game will still be broadcast nationally on a tape-delayed basis by FOX Sports Net, but due to the delay, fans should check their local listings or www.soccerTV.com to find the broadcast time in their area. All tickets sold for the original match will be honored on Aug. 27. Tickets are still available at the Sportsplex Box Office and all TicketMaster locations, or by calling (757) 671-8100.