Lightning delays start of Class 5A BlueCross Bowl between Henry County and Knoxville Central

COOKEVILLE — Officials evacuated Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium prior to the start of Saturday’s Class 5A BlueCross Bowl between Knoxville Central and Henry County after lightning was spotted within 10 miles of the stadium. 

Players from both teams were sent to their locker rooms about 40 minutes prior to the game’s kickoff, while fans were moved to the concourse or their cars to wait out the delay. 

It is not clear how late they will wait to play if the lightning remains in the area. Tennessee Tech put together a weather plan prior to 2009 when it acquired the rights to host the state’s football championships. 

Reach Michael Murphy at [email protected], 615-269-8026 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.