TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida State vs. SMU college football game scheduled for Monday night faced significant disruptions after a power outage struck Doak Campbell Stadium before kickoff on September 7, 2026. While the contest is expected to proceed as planned according to initial reports, the atmosphere deviated sharply from standard expectations due to widespread technological failures and darkness within the venue.
Technology Offline During Delay
The outage resulted in a substantial portion of modern stadium infrastructure being knocked offline. Reports indicate that critical technology, including iPads used for game management, coach-to-player communication systems, and replay equipment, would not be restored before kickoff. This lack of technological support creates an unusual environment for both the coaching staffs and the players participating in the matchup.
Additionally, the public-address announcer system and digital scoreboards were reported to be non-functional during the delay. The absence of these standard features means fans and participants alike must rely on alternative methods for communication and game tracking, marking a stark contrast to typical high-profile collegiate sporting events in Florida, as this newspaper reported in Power outage delays Florida State vs SMU football game at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Fans Adapt with Flashlights
As the lights remained off, spectators at Doak Campbell Stadium utilized their mobile devices as primary sources of illumination. Photos from the scene show fans holding up phone flashlights into the air to see the field and each other while waiting for power restoration. This visual adaptation provided a nostalgic element to the evening, though it was driven by necessity rather than design, as we reported in Preview: SMU Seminoles Clash at Florida State This Labor Day.
The disruption extended beyond the game clock itself. Pre-game traditions were also affected, with reports noting that efforts to plant the spear on the field did not proceed as envisioned. The combination of the delayed start due to lighting issues and the failure of traditional ceremonies contributed to a chaotic pregame environment for attendees, as reported by Univision.
Game Status Confirmed
Despite the extensive technical challenges and the unusual conditions faced by fans, officials stated that the game would go on as scheduled. The event is set to begin at 9:15 p.m. ET once power is restored or alternative arrangements are made for visibility. The situation highlights the vulnerability of modern sports infrastructure to electrical failures while underscoring the resilience expected in collegiate athletic competitions.
