The Edmonton Eskimos home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was delayed Friday night due to a severe thunderstorm warning.
Shortly before the 8 p.m. kickoff, fans were asked to leave their seats and stand in the concourse due to lightning in the area.
READ MORE: Severe thunderstorm warning downgraded to watch for Edmonton
At 8:01 p.m., the Eskimos sent a tweet informing fans the game would start at about 8:25 p.m.
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Edmonton was under a severe thunderstorm watch or warning for much of Friday.
A warning was issued by Environment Canada for a second time Friday at 7:44 p.m., due to a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, pea- to dime-sized hail, and heavy rain.
The Eskimos said there is protocol they follow when there’s lightning in the area.
“When lightning is within 17 kilometres of the stadium, a warning is issued,” Eskimos marketing and communications vice president Rose Phillips said.
“Depending on the direction of the storm, the game is delayed when lightning is within 15 kilometres of the stadium. At that time, fans would be asked to exit their seats and head to the concourse.”
READ MORE: Eskimos edge Bombers 33-30 in CFL’s second-longest game in history
Last week in Winnipeg, the Eskimos and Blue Bombers played in the second-longest game in CFL history due to lengthy delays caused by lightning.
The total time of the game was five hours and 42 minutes.
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