WINNIPEG – The game was delayed before the players even got on the field.
The first sign of lightning at Investors Group Field coming so early in the Wednesday night showdown between the Blue Bombers and Hamilton Ticats, officials had to run the coin toss indoors in the stadium tunnel.
“That was definitely unique,” Kevin McDonald, CFL VP of Football operations and Player Safety.
Lightning and rain delays used to be unique events too, but McDonald says it seems like they’re increasing.
He’s been with the league for 15 years and until this season could probably ‘count on one hand’ the number of delays he’s seen.
“It seems like it’s increasing. We’ve had four this year,” McDonald says.
The CFL has its own internal weather systems and there is also an in-house tracking system at Investors Group Field.
The league also has a meteorologist it uses to help them decide when to delay the game.
“Having that local weather service allows to make decisions quickly,” McDonald said.
When lightning is within 15 kilometers officials start talking to those in charge of stadium operations and media, in order to get the word out as quickly as possible.
But last night was unique for one reason, the 2.5 hour delay. It’s the first time in recent memory a game has started on one day, and ended on the next.
“Last night we had a second system move in which caused another 30 minute delay,” McDonald said.
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