Weather factors can play a significant role in the status of college football games. Take, for instance, the infamous "Snow Bowl" in 1950, when Michigan faced Ohio State under severe snowstorm conditions. Nearly 5 inches of snow blanketed the field, making it almost impossible to see the lines, and the temperature dropped to a freezing 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This game is just one in a long history where weather conditions impacted play.
I've seen games delayed or even canceled due to lightning. The NCAA has guidelines that mandate temporary stoppages when lightning strikes within an 8-mile radius of the stadium. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it's a safety protocol based on scientific data. According to the National Weather Service, the average lightning flash can reach temperatures of roughly 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and each year, about 20 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to lightning strikes. It's better to postpone a game than to risk lives.
Weather delays can significantly affect game logistics, including the time it takes to complete a game. Normally, a college football game runs about three to four hours, but add in a weather delay, and you're looking at a much longer day. I remember one instance from 2013 when the Michigan vs. South Carolina game was delayed for more than two hours due to lightning. The total game time reached an overwhelming six hours.
Besides affecting game time, weather conditions also affect player performance. High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. It's not uncommon to see trainers giving players cold towels or ice packs during early-season games in the South, where temperatures can easily exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. Conversely, extreme cold can stiffen muscles and slow reaction times, making injuries like muscle strains and sprains more likely. So, coaches often adjust their strategies and rotations to account for the weather.
Stadiums equipped with artificial turf may handle rain better compared to natural grass fields. Natural grass can turn into a slippery mess with just a few inches of rain. In contrast, an artificial turf system usually has advanced drainage capabilities that allow for faster removal of water. But regardless, monsoon-like rains can reduce visibility and make it hard for players to secure the ball, inevitably leading to turnovers.
Historical data points to the impact of hurricanes on college football. In 2017, Hurricane Irma led to the cancellation of numerous games in Florida and other southeastern states. Forecasts indicated winds exceeding 100 mph and several feet of storm surge. In these situations, the safety of players, fans, and staff becomes the priority, leading to game cancellations. These aren't straightforward decisions. Universities often consult weather experts and local authorities before making such calls, sometimes as much as 48 hours in advance.
It's not just the immediate impact on the game day that's affected. Financially, weather delays or cancellations can hit schools hard. Ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorship contracts can total millions of dollars per game for big programs. For example, delayed halftime shows or truncated pre-game activities can result in thousands of dollars of lost revenue for bands and other performance groups. Plus, rescheduling can incur additional travel and lodging costs for both the teams and their traveling fans.
The impact extends to the viewers. Television broadcasts often have tight schedules. A weather delay disrupts not just one game but can create a domino effect. Networks may have to adjust their entire afternoon or evening lineups, leading to viewer dissatisfaction and potential loss in ad revenue. It's a logistical headache that can cascade through programs for the rest of the day.
Of course, all these conditions take a toll on the athletes themselves. The delay disrupts their game rhythm, causing stress and potentially leading to injuries once play resumes under awkward or less-than-ideal conditions. The starting quarterback might find it difficult to keep his arm warmed up. The defense could lose their initial energy and focus. I remember speaking to a defensive coach who said that during a two-hour weather delay, they used up three game strategies just trying to keep the players' minds in the game.
College football games in 2018 saw an average attendance of 41,856 fans per game. Imagine this vast crowd waiting through a lengthy weather delay. Fans often endure inconveniences like sitting through rain, wind, or blistering heat just for the love of the game. Extended delays mean fans might leave early, especially if their safety is a concern. A family with young kids or elderly relatives likely won't stick around through a lightning delay or torrential downpour, affecting the game's atmosphere and energy.
In conclusion, weather conditions are an ever-present variable that can delay college football games. From affecting player performance and safety to financial implications and viewer experience, the weather is a formidable opponent. While it's easy to welcome a clear, sunny day for a game, the reality is that players, coaches, and fans have to prepare for any weather scenario. Next time you're watching a game and see those rain clouds rolling in, you'll know there's a whole lot more at stake than just getting a little wet.
Don't forget to check out more facts and stats about the College Football Game Length.