Nature Strikes First: Utah vs. Arizona State Football Game Faces Lightning Delay
SALT LAKE CITY — In an unexpected twist, the highly anticipated Big 12 matchup between the University of Utah and No. 21-ranked Arizona State has been put on hold due to dangerous weather conditions. Fans eager for tonight's showdown will have to wait as thunderstorms sweep through the Wasatch Front, forcing a delay in pregame activities.
The Utah athletic department confirmed the disruption, noting that player warmups—originally scheduled for 7:20 p.m.—won't begin until at least 7:50 p.m. due to safety concerns. While officials haven't yet announced a revised kickoff time for the 8:20 p.m. game, the delay suggests the start time will likely be pushed back.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Some fans argue that games should proceed despite minor weather disruptions, while others applaud the strict safety protocols. The NCAA mandates that play must halt if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium—a rule that has drawn both praise and criticism over the years. And this is the part most people miss: Games can't resume until a full 30 minutes have passed without a lightning strike in the danger zone.
So, is this cautious approach justified, or should teams and fans accept some risk for the sake of the game? Let us know in the comments—do you side with safety first, or are delays like this an overreaction?
For now, all eyes remain on the skies. Utah Athletics tweeted an update confirming the ongoing delay, with another announcement expected by 7:50 p.m. Mountain Time. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation unfolds.
Update Source: Utah Athletics (@utahathletics)
About the Reporter: Joshua Newman brings 19 years of sports journalism experience, including extensive coverage of the University of Utah for The Salt Lake Tribune (2019–2023) and Rutgers University for Gannett New Jersey. Follow him on Twitter @Joshua_Newman for real-time insights.
