Overview
- Teams cleared the field during warmups after lightning was detected within the program’s eight-mile safety radius, triggering an automatic hold on play.
- A second lightning detection during the pregame sequence sent players back to the locker rooms and restarted the required 30-minute countdown before play can resume.
- South Carolina’s policy states play will resume 30 minutes after the last strike inside eight miles, and no revised kickoff time had been announced when the delay was reported.
- The stadium countdown clock showed 36 minutes when the weather-delay message first appeared, creating uncertainty for players, coaches, broadcasters and ticketed fans.
- This delay follows last week’s 73-minute storm stoppage at South Carolina’s game with Towson and highlights how lightning rules can disrupt scheduling, team prep and broadcast plans.