Football fans have waited months for Thursday night’s NFL Kickoff Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens.
They will need to wait a little longer.
A thunderstorm working through the area has forced officials to clear the field, and with lightning strikes around GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the kickoff of the AFC Championship rematch has been pushed back to 8:40 p.m. Eastern time.
In the hour leading up to the scheduled kickoff, officials cleared the field and asked fans to make their way to the concourse due to the weather in the area:
The #Ravens and #Chiefs have cleared the field and fans were asked to make their way to the concourses due to inclement weather in the area.
Kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2024
Shortly after that message, the storm cleared through the area, but the league announced that the scheduled kickoff would be pushed back until 8:40 p.m.:
Kickoff for tonight’s Ravens-Chiefs game now has been delayed until 8:40 ET due to weather conditions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2024
The storm system did provide some incredible visuals, first as lightning struck near the stadium:
It’s currently pouring with lightning in the area at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Fans are leaving their seats, and players have gone inside. It’s unclear if kickoff will be delayed. pic.twitter.com/jiV2hVR6Rj
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 5, 2024
Then later as the storm cleared, and a rainbow appeared:
Happy football, everyone.