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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 fans had to be a bit patient if they wanted to see today’s win from start to finish after severe weather in the area delayed the game for more than an hour.
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 a fun time,” said Tucker Price while leaving after the game. “It was really hot for the first half. Probably the hottest Jags game I’ve ever been too 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,” said Price. “I mean, that was probably the first Jags game I’ve been to that actually had a weather delay, and I’ve been going to games my whole 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 sat in Daily’s Place for about an hour or so,” said Price. “We almost called it quits. Well, they did. 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.
“Once I had the whole experience, I said, ‘Okay, we can catch the rest on television,'” said Jeffery Ross, who left during the delay at what was his first NFL game.
One big change in the works could keep more fans around when the weather turns – a roof.
The stadium of the future will feature a clear canopy that the Jaguars say is made out of some of the same materials as 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.