The game between the Cardinals and Bears at State Farm Stadium took an unexpected turn when a hail storm hit during the second quarter. The teams had to close the stadium roof midgame due to the severe weather conditions. The CBS broadcast highlighted the unusual situation, with commentator Evan Washburn noting that hail was falling inside the stadium, impacting the field. The process to close the roof took some time but was completed by late in the second quarter.
This incident marked the first time in NFL history that a stadium’s retractable roof had to be closed during a game. According to footballzebras.com, the decision to close the roof midgame can only be made by the referee in coordination with football operations. Interestingly, this was not the first time a stadium in Arizona with a retractable roof faced weather-related issues. Earlier in the year, the Diamondbacks had to cancel a spring training game at Chase Field due to rain inside the stadium. Despite having a retractable roof, an issue with the cables prevented them from closing it with fans inside.
The unexpected hail storm added an element of surprise to the game between the Cardinals and Bears. While weather disruptions are not uncommon in the NFL season, having to close the stadium roof midgame is a rare occurrence. The safety of the players and spectators is always a top priority in such situations, and the decision to close the roof was made to ensure their well-being.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns across the globe, unexpected events like this hail storm may become more frequent. Stadiums and teams will need to be prepared to handle such situations to minimize disruptions to the game and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Despite the challenges posed by extreme weather, the NFL and its teams are constantly adapting to ensure that games can proceed as smoothly as possible.
In the end, the game between the Cardinals and Bears resumed after the roof was closed, allowing both teams to continue their battle on the field. While the hail storm may have been an unexpected twist, it added an element of excitement to an already intense matchup. Fans watching both at the stadium and at home were treated to a unique experience that they won’t soon forget.
