On Sept. 4, 2025, a severe thunderstorm with lightning prompted stadium officials at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to evacuate open seating and suspend the Cowboys–Eagles contest around , with the Eagles leading 24–20; play resumed at and the Eagles completed a 24–20 victory.
Key Takeaways
- Storm-related evacuation ordered at Lincoln Financial Field due to lightning; officials directed fans to concourses for shelter.
- Game was stopped at about 10:25 p.m. ET in the third quarter with the Eagles up 24–20 and 4:44 remaining in the period.
- National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area; NFL on Fox relayed safety instructions to spectators.
- Broadcasters filled airtime during the pause; footage showed Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs leaving the locker area and later accepting food from fans in a field-level suite.
- Play resumed at 11:30 p.m. ET and the Eagles retained the 24–20 lead to secure the win.
- No immediate reports of injuries related to the weather stoppage were published at the time of reporting.
Verified Facts
Stadium officials paused the game at approximately after lightning activity in the vicinity. The stoppage occurred with 4:44 left in the third quarter and the Eagles ahead, 24–20. League and stadium staff followed established safety protocols for open-air seating.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning covering the Philadelphia area; the warning warned of lightning and strong winds. NFL on Fox posted an advisory instructing fans to “exit the open seating area” and “seek shelter along the concourses.”
NBC’s broadcast team extended live coverage while the pause continued. During the delay, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs was seen leaving the locker room area and later appearing in a field-level suite where fans offered food, a moment widely shared on social platforms and network feeds.
Officials cleared the field after weather conditions were deemed safe and the game resumed at . The Eagles held the lead through the remainder of the game and finished with a 24–20 victory.
Context & Impact
Lightning is a common trigger for temporary stadium evacuations because it poses a direct risk to fans in open seating areas. The NFL and stadium operators have standard procedures to move spectators to covered concourses and wait for a sustained period without lightning before resuming play.
Delays of this length can affect team routines, player recovery, and broadcast scheduling. For spectators, extended interruptions can complicate travel and public-transit plans, especially late in the evening.
- Player preparation: Extended delays can disrupt warm-ups and game rhythm.
- Broadcasting: Networks often rely on filler segments and replays while awaiting clearance to continue.
- Logistics: Fans may face longer exits and transit delays after late finishes.
Official Statements
“A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for our area. These storms may produce severe conditions, including lightning and strong winds. For your safety, please exit the open seating area at this time and seek shelter along the concourses.”
NFL on Fox (social post)
Unconfirmed
- Reports that any fans or staff sustained weather-related injuries have not been corroborated by official hospital statements or stadium injury reports at the time of publication.
- Some social posts suggested additional in-stadium disruptions beyond the evacuation; those specific claims remain unverified.
Bottom Line
The lightning-driven evacuation at Lincoln Financial Field briefly halted the Cowboys–Eagles game on Sept. 4, 2025, as public-safety protocols were followed; after an approximate one-hour delay, play resumed and the Eagles held a 24–20 lead to win. The incident underscores the continuing need for clear weather-response plans at large outdoor events.