Aria Gerson
Nashville Tennessean
The start of Vanderbilt football’s season-opening game against Hawaii on Saturday has been delayed by more than 90 minutes because of inclement weather, a program spokesperson confirmed to The Tennessean.
Storms approached FirstBank Stadium at approximately 5 p.m., requiring officials to evacuate the stadium. The game had been scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
NCAA regulations require play to stop for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike within eight miles of the playing field.
The fans also may not populate the stadium until 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike. The pregame Star Walk also was canceled.
What time will Vanderbilt start vs. Hawaii after weather delay?A Vanderbilt spokesperson said that the game would start at 8:11 p.m. CT if there was no further lightning. The teams would be afforded 50 minutes to warm up. The gates are now open for fans to enter the stadium.
The Commodores are the only SEC football program playing Saturday as part of Week Zero. Vanderbilt beat Hawaii 63-10 last season in Honolulu.
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