When lightning is nearby, fans and players are urged to move to sheltered areas.

(MADISON, WISC.) When nearby lightning forces officials to delay a big college football game, the backlash from fans can be fierce, especially if the sky over the stadium is still mostly blue.

Sports fans took to social media to complain loudly when nearby lightning forced several game delays on Sept. 19, 2026, including Florida State at Alabama, North Carolina at Clemson, BYU at Colorado State, and Charlotte at Appalachian State. The Alabama delays earned particular anger because there was no rain at Bryant-Denny Stadium at the time.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.