Weather delay halts Nashville SC, Atlanta United match at Geodis Park
Nashville SC's rivalry match against Atlanta United FC was suspended Saturday due to lightning in the area.
Just 18 minutes were played before lightning strikes were recorded within the 8-mile radius of Geodis Park, meaning the match will be paused for a minimum 30 minutes. The teams were ordered to return to the locker room until that time is complete.
Precipitation chances sit around 50% in the area, according to the Nashville Weather Service. The decision to postpone the match is under each club's discretion.
Ten days ago, Nashville came back from 2-0 down to knock Atlanta out of the U.S. Open Cup tournament, 3-2, at Geodis Park.
Weather delay updates
7:45 p.m.
The weather delay is complete. Players begin to trickle out of the locker room for a 8-minute warm up. Expected kickoff is 7:56 p.m.
7:52 p.m.
A second lightning strike was recorded in the area at Geodis Park. Players were ordered back into their respective locker rooms and fans were ordered to take cover on the concourse.
8:12 p.m.
A third lightning strike was observed. The 30-minute clock restarts.
8:42 p.m.
Another lightning strike.
Fans in the upper deck at Geodis Park remain idle in their seats and spectators below pack the concourse level. This postponement reaches 90 minutes. Nashville's longest postponement in an MLS match came on August 16, 2020 at FC Dallas, when the clubs were bunkered down in their locker rooms for 209 minutes.
9:26 p.m.
Nashville announced the weather delay will conclude at 9:45 p.m. That is when players will be allowed to begin warm-ups.
For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC, Atlanta United at Geodis Park is in weather delay
