Arizona vs BYU Game Paused by Lightning Strike in Tucson

A major college football game faced a sudden interruption. The matchup between the BYU Cougars and Arizona Wildcats was halted due to severe weather. The delay occurred on Saturday, October 11, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson.

The stoppage was triggered by a lightning strike detected near the stadium. Officials made the call for player and fan safety just before the start of the second quarter.

Timeline of the Weather Delay and Stadium Evacuation

The official weather delay began at 6:52 p.m. Mountain Time. An initial 30-minute pause was announced. This is standard procedure for lightning incidents in NCAA games.

Fans were instructed to evacuate the stadium seating areas. They were directed to seek shelter in concourse areas. According to Associated Press reporting, the situation escalated minutes later.

At 7:25 p.m., another lightning strike was confirmed. This reset the mandatory delay clock for another 30 minutes. The extended wait tested the patience of everyone in attendance.

Game Context and Fan Reactions to the Pause

When play was suspended, BYU held a 14-7 lead over Arizona. The Cougars were driving to maintain their perfect season record. The unexpected break shifted all momentum.

Fans took to social media to voice their opinions. Many expressed frustration with the lengthy delay for rain. Others made light of the situation in the desert city.

The game eventually resumed after the all-clear was given. Players had to warm up again to restart the competitive flow. The final outcome hung in the balance during the extended intermission.

The Arizona vs BYU weather delay proved that even the best-laid game plans can be overruled by nature. This unexpected pause added a dramatic twist to a crucial conference showdown.

Info at your fingertips

Why was the Arizona vs BYU game delayed?

The game was delayed due to a lightning strike in the vicinity of Arizona Stadium. NCAA safety rules require an immediate pause in play for such weather events. The initial delay was set for 30 minutes.

How long was the weather delay?

The delay lasted over an hour in total. It started at 6:52 p.m. and was extended after a second lightning strike was detected. This reset the mandatory 30-minute safety timer.

Were fans allowed to stay in the stadium?

No, fans were initially asked to evacuate their seats for safety. They were directed to sheltered concourse areas within the stadium. They were permitted to return after the weather threat passed.

What was the score when the game was paused?

BYU was leading Arizona 14-7 when the delay was called. The pause happened just before the start of the second quarter. The Wildcats had just scored to narrow the gap.

Has this happened before in Tucson?

Significant weather delays for football games are relatively rare in Tucson. The desert climate typically provides dry conditions for outdoor sports. This event was an unusual interruption for the stadium.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, NCAA Communications.