Will weather affect Michigan State football opener against Toledo?

The start of the 2026 college football season looks like a wet one. So as rain and storms pound Michigan, how might Michigan State's opener against Toledo be impacted?

Fans travelling to Spartan Stadium should expect a damp pregame and tailgating experience on Friday, Sept. 4, but the good news is the weather appears set for clearing up by kickoff.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, AccuWeather forecasted at least a 50% chance of rain through 4 p.m., but the numbers go down the later you go into the evening. For the 8 p.m. kick against Toledo, AccuWeather gives it a 34% chance of precipitation in East Lansing.

Should Michigan State football expect a delay?

Of course, rain can be chalked up as football weather. What fans really don't want to see is lightning, as every instance of a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius invokes an immediate 30-minute delay. Play does not resume until a full half-hour passes without a recorded strike.

The Weather Channel forecasts isolated thunderstorms around the 6 p.m. hour, but neither AccuWeather nor Weather Channel forecast any thunderstorms after 8 p.m.

Parking impact at Spartan Stadium

Michigan State sent the following release just before 11 a.m. regarding Munn Field:

Due to excessive recent rain and ground conditions unsuitable for heavy traffic, Munn Field is closed to parking for tonight’s football game.

Munn Field parking passes will be honored at any public lot and patrons will automatically be refunded the difference in cost within 2-5 business days.

Spartan fans and guests are encouraged to sign up to receive gameday updates (including parking) from MSU Police and Public Safety by texting SPARTANFB26 to 888777.

How to watch Michigan State-Toledo

The Pat Fitzgerald era in East Lansing will start at 8 p.m. on FS1, with streaming available on Fox One and Fubo.

Watch college football on Fubo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Will weather affect Michigan State football opener against Toledo?

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