Weather Delay Strands Cougars in Arizona – Deseret News
For the first time in over a year, BYU football faced a weather delay during their game against Arizona. This incident occurred on Saturday, just as the second quarter was about to kick off. The delay began around 5:50 p.m. local time due to lightning detected within eight miles of the stadium. At the time, BYU was leading Arizona 14-7.
Weather Conditions Impacting the Game
Prior to the matchup, weather forecasts predicted heavy rain as a result of Tropical Storm Priscilla impacting the southwestern United States. As reported by El-Balad journalist Jay Drew, rain began to pour heavily during the delay.
Game Delay Timeline
- 5:50 p.m. – Delay begins due to lightning.
- 6:25 p.m. – Arizona athletics announces the delay will continue due to more lightning.
- 6:48 p.m. – Fans are allowed to return to their seats.
- 6:52 p.m. – Jay Drew confirms the game will resume in about 15 minutes, barring any further lightning.
- 6:56 p.m. – BYU and Arizona players return to the field.
During the delay, fans were instructed to take cover on the concourse and could either wait there or return to their vehicles. The athletic department made accommodations for the delay, shortening halftime from the usual 20 minutes to 12 minutes to compensate for lost time.
Conclusion
The weather delay clearly affected the rhythm of the game, but both teams were prepared to resume play as safety allowed. The Cougars aim to maintain their lead against the Wildcats in a season marked by significant developments on and off the field.
