Full Breakdown
Severe Storm Topples Tent at Randy’s Ridge, Injuring Fans During WVU Baseball Super Regional
6/7/2026, 4:53:36 AM
Tent Collapse at Randy’s Ridge Injures Fans
On Saturday afternoon, a large canopy tent on “Randy’s Ridge”—the hillside viewing area above the Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown, West Virginia—was ripped from its anchors as a severe thunderstorm produced winds up to 40 mph. The tent, spanning more than 30 feet, rolled down the slope, striking spectators and prompting emergency crews to label the incident a “mass casualty event.” No fatalities were reported.
Background: NCAA Super Regional and Free Viewing Area
The incident occurred during the NCAA Baseball Super Regional between West Virginia University (WVU) and California Polytechnic State University. Thousands of fans had gathered on Randy’s Ridge to watch the game free of charge, a tradition that has drawn large crowds throughout the postseason. At the time of the collapse, WVU led Cal Poly 17-1 in the eighth inning.
Timeline of the Storm and Response
- ? 3:25 p.m. – 911 calls received about a tent canopy collapse at the Kendrick Family Baseball field.
- ? 3:45 p.m. – The storm’s strongest gusts hit; witnesses describe the tent being knocked over within 30–60 seconds.
- Immediately after – Multiple ambulances and police units from Granville, WVU, and Westover responded; the game was delayed.
- Later that evening – The game resumed and WVU completed the victory, securing a berth in the College World Series.
Data & Statistics
- Monongalia County EMS confirmed seven injuries, with five patients transported to local hospitals.
- Other outlets reported at least five injuries; one source described “a half dozen” fans hurt.
- Witnesses observed three ambulances on scene.
Official Statements & Responses
Monongalia County EMS publicly noted the seven injuries and the rapid deployment of emergency personnel. 911 officials officially classified the incident as a “mass casualty incident.” Police departments from Granville, WVU, and Westover coordinated crowd control and assisted EMS crews. No further details on casualty numbers were released by 911 at the time.
Criticism & Opposition
Local observers highlighted the limited information provided by emergency officials, noting that 911 did not disclose the exact number of injured or transported individuals. The sudden collapse of a large, unsecured structure raised questions about safety protocols for temporary fan shelters during severe weather.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury counts vary: five (The Hill), six (half-dozen, WV Metro News), seven (Mon EMS, WAJR).
- No official statement clarified why the tent was positioned on a hilltop prone to high winds, nor whether prior weather warnings were communicated to event organizers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were just all sitting there looking at the baseball field, watching the wind blow and stuff, next thing we know, we hear the other big tent on the outside moving, and it started pushing us, and then it was just pretty much everybody protecting each other,” — James Sanders, fan
- “I was just trying to hold my weight on the pole with the cement block, and then it started sliding, and then another guy joined in, and he’s trying to hold another pole, and then a big gust of wind came,” — Keith Hill, fan
- “Can’t talk enough about the EMS crew and the firefighters and everything here, they did an absolutely great job,” — Justin Seecrist, fan
- “Obviously it was a very scary situation and scene when the storm got going,” — Greg Carey, Metronews sports reporter
What’s Next
After the storm passed, the game resumed, and WVU completed a 17-1 victory, advancing to the College World Series in Omaha. Event organizers and university officials are expected to review shelter safety procedures ahead of future postseason games.
