First Responder Bowl football game in Dallas becomes first-ever bowl game to be canceled due to bad weather
Severe storms swept through Texas on December 26, creating a major headache for college football fans as the Servpro First Responder game was canceled due to lightning. It's the first time ever a college football bowl game has been canceled due to weather.
Severe weather conditions led to the cancellation of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas on Dec. 26 in what was the first bowl game to be called off due to inclement weather, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The risk for severe weather began in central Texas Wednesday afternoon and continued into Thursday as storms pushed eastward.
Persistent thunderstorms and lightning in the area prompted NCAA officials to halt the postseason college football game between the Boise State Broncos and the Boston College Eagles at 12:59 p.m. CST.
The First Responder Bowl between Boston College and Boise State was canceled due to weather and was designated a no contest after multiple lighting delays Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
It was Boise State University’s first time playing at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, and the game was declared a no contest following a lengthy weather delay with 5 minutes and 8 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
“We knew there was a chance of inclement weather for this game,” said First Responder Bowl executive director Brant Ringler in a press release. “There were no intentions to move the game. Usually, the weather plays out to play the game. We had a weather report for what we were going to do, and all of those things played out today.”
“It was listed as scattered thunderstorms, and there was a chance it was going to miss us, but unfortunately it did not,” Ringler said.
According to NCAA rules, games must be paused for at least a half-hour when a lightning strike has been detected within 10 miles of the stadium. Another lightning strike was spotted at 1:10 p.m. CST.
The game was called off after more than an hour of stoppage of play, according to Pete Derzis, senior vice president of ESPN events and programming.
“All parties were concerned about player safety first and foremost, and with that being the primary concern, as well as the fans in attendance, it was a unanimous decision to cancel the game," Derzis said.
Storm damage was reported across Wichita Falls, Texas, after severe storms rolled through on the evening of Dec. 26. Power outages were also reported across the city. (Photo/Renee Guthrie)
At the time of the delay, Boston College led 7-0 on a 19-yard run by running back A.J. Dillon on the Eagles’ first drive of the game.
With the potential threat for more severe weather on Dec. 29, the game will not be rescheduled. The First Responder Bowl announced via Twitter that ticket holders could receive full refunds or free
tickets to next year’s game.
2018 was a record breaking year for extreme weather events and storms. Extreme Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Reed Timmer talked to us about his top 5 chases of the year. He discussed some of his most dangerous experiences, what it's like to be out in the field, and the moments he'll never forget!
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