Florida State-SMU football game gets unexpected delay

Florida State-SMU football game gets unexpected delay

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Florida State-SMU football game gets unexpected delay

The college football season is well underway and Week 1 will wrap up with a showdown in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Florida State Seminoles are set to host the SMU Mustangs in an ACC battle that could have conference ramifications down the road. However, an unexpected issue has struck Doak Campbell Stadium just before kickoff.

According to multiple reports, the stadium experienced a power outage that delayed the Florida State-SMU matchup. The game was originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, but the outage affected the stadium lights and press box. The teams were sent back to their locker rooms as officials waited for the issue to be resolved.

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What promised to be an exciting ACC opener for Florida State against a ranked opponent was suddenly on pause until the lights came back on.

Florida State Seminoles place kicker Gabe Panikowski (39) kicks for an extra point. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the New

Florida State Seminoles place kicker Gabe Panikowski (39) kicks for an extra point. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 34-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Who turned out the lights?

Doak S. Campbell Stadium opened on October 7, 1950 and has hosted Florida State football ever since. The stadium has undergone multiple renovations and expansions throughout its history, transforming it into one of the most recognizable venues in college football.

Most recently, Florida State completed a massive renovation ahead of the 2025 season. The project carried an authorized price tag of $265 million and focused heavily on rebuilding and upgrading both the west side and south end zone.

The renovations added premium seating options, improved concourses, upgraded restrooms and concessions, new technology and additional infrastructure improvements. The changes also reduced the stadium’s capacity to 67,277 while providing a more modern gameday experience for fans.

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Now, that newly renovated stadium found itself dealing with an issue nobody expected on a nationally televised Monday night.

Florida State Seminole fans gather to be in the background of the ACC Huddle pregame show featuring former FSU coach Jimbo

Florida State Seminole fans gather to be in the background of the ACC Huddle pregame show featuring former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and FSU alum Taylor Tannebaum ahead of the game against the SMU Mustangs on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Florida State entered the contest with a 1-0 record after defeating New Mexico State 34-17 in Week 0. However, the Seminoles left plenty to improve upon. SMU, meanwhile, is opening its season on the road and enters the matchup ranked No. 19 nationally.

The Mustangs are looking to make a run at the ACC Championship Game, while Florida State hopes its home-field advantage can help it pull off an early statement win.

Before either team could make that statement, though, they had to wait for the lights to come back on.

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