I learned something new about football today. Lightning suspends the game and play won’t resume until 30 minutes have passed following the last strike.
Blaine and I went downtown to meet up with John, Kim, the rest of the usual group and assorted others to watch the game. We were crammed into a bar where a bank of giant television screens above the bar were tuned to different games until it was time for the tunnel walk and all switched to the only game anyone cared about.
The fervor of football fans around here cannot be overstated, and this season opener has been anticipated since a new coach was hired at the end of last season. When the tunnel walk started, the place erupted—whooping, clapping chanting. The tables vibrated. I couldn’t hear Blaine talking into my ear.
On the screens we watched the kickoff, then a clap of thunder loud enough to break through the noise got everyone’s attention. On the television the officials were already at the sidelines waving like traffic cops to get the players and coaches to leave the field. Closed captioning said play was suspended a minimum of 30 minutes due to lightning.
We waited. And waited.
Nearly three hours later it was still pouring and the wind was blowing the rain sideways. Some people who had been at the game made it inside and said everyone had been asked to leave the stadium because the game was going to be called off. A few minutes later a local news app sent a text saying the game would be played in the morning. Not long after, another text said the game was cancelled.
So…football season is here...ish.
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