PITTSBURGH — Stormy weather delayed the start of UCF‘s road contest against Pittsburgh on Saturday, sending fans scrambling for cover at Acrisure Stadium.
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Rain began to pelt the field 20 minutes prior to the 3:30 p.m. kickoff and an announcement was made on the stadium’s main video board asking fans to take cover in the concourses because of severe conditions, including lightning and gusty winds. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area.
A storm system was expected, with showers anticipated around 4 p.m.
Officials have to delay the game at least 30 minutes if there is a lightning strike within 8 to 10 miles of the stadium.
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UCF is no stranger to rain delays.
Last season’s season opener against Jacksonville State on Aug. 28, 2025, was paused midway through the second quarter for more than two hours because of storms in Central Florida. The start of the Knights’ second game against North Carolina A&T on Sept. 6 was pushed back more than an hour due to pre-game storms.
In 2024, UCF had two games delayed against Sam Houston State and Colorado.
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