A delay that lasted more than an hour at the Jaguars season opener had some fans looking forward to a roof to help manage the elements.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars supporters needed to demonstrate some patience today if they wanted to witness the victory from beginning to end, as the game was delayed for more than an hour due to severe weather conditions in the area.
In true Florida fashion, fans went from roasting in the sun in the first quarter, to wearing ponchos by the second.
It has some folks dreaming about the day when this stadium will have a roof on it to make the elements a bit more tolerable.
“Oh man, it was quite the experience,” shared Tucker Price while exiting after the game. “The first half was really hot. Probably the hottest Jags game I’ve ever attended in my life.”
The hottest game in memory for Tucker Price got even more noteworthy when the players started leaving the field in the second quarter.
“It’s super rare,” Price added. “That was likely the first Jaguars game I’ve ever experienced with a weather delay, and I’ve been going to these games all my life.”
Perhaps an even bigger question than if the Jaguars would come away with a win – was if Tucker Price would be there to see it.
“We waited in Daily’s Place for about an hour,” mentioned Price. “We almost decided to leave. Well, my parents almost did. I’d never give up on the Jaguars.”
Of course, some fans didn’t have the same level of patience as the delay ticked past an hour.
“I’m hot, so I want to just drink normally,” said Anna Rosato while leaving during the weather delay.
“After experiencing the initial excitement, I thought, ‘Okay, we can watch the rest on television,'” said Jeffery Ross, who left during the delay after attending his first NFL game.
One big change in the works could keep more fans around when the weather turns – a roof.
The future stadium will include a clear canopy that the Jaguars claim is constructed from some of the same materials as those used at SoFi Stadium in California and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
However, it may not put an end to weather delays altogether, as the stadium won’t be totally enclosed.
As an example, SoFi Stadium saw a weather delay with lightning in the area in 2021 despite having a roof because of the exposed sides.
But at least fans won’t have to be wet, or hot, while they wait.
“Jags games are going to be much more lively,” said Price. “Everyone’s going to have a great time. No one is going to be hot, cold, sweaty.”
Price is right that Code Blues are pretty rare.
The Florida Times Union reports the last weather delay at home was against the Ravens in 2022. The Jags went on to win that game then five of the last six to take the division and get a hope playoff game.
Perhaps this weather delay throws the team on a similar trajectory.
