Full Breakdown
Power Outage Delays Florida State-SMU ACC Opener at Doak Campbell Stadium
9/8/2026, 4:01:29 AM
Core Event
On Monday night, the Labor Day kickoff of the ACC opener between the Florida State Seminoles and No. 19 SMU Mustangs was postponed after a sudden loss of electricity at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The game, set for a 7:30 p.m. ET start on September 7, was halted when the stadium’s lights, press-box power, and sound system went dark just before the teams entered the field. Officials traced the failure to a transformer on the west side of the venue; attempts to reset the unit caused it to blow, leaving crews to pursue a “hail-mary” backup plan. If power is restored, teams will receive a 10-minute warm-up before play resumes; otherwise the contest could be moved to the following day.
Background & Context
Doak Campbell Stadium, home of the Seminoles since 1950, recently completed a major renovation ahead of the 2025 season. The project, costing $250 million–$265 million, reduced seating to roughly 67,000 and added new premium amenities and technology upgrades. The outage highlighted lingering infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Florida State entered the matchup 1-0 after a 34-17 Week 0 win over New Mexico State, while SMU opened the season ranked No. 19 and looked to build on a 42-16 victory over the Seminoles in Dallas during the 2024 season.
Timeline
- 7:29 p.m. ET – Lights and power go out.
- 7:30 p.m. ET – Scheduled kickoff; teams already in tunnels.
- 7:50 p.m. ET – ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor reports a failed transformer reset and a “backup plan” being considered.
- 8:20 p.m. ET – Expected update from ACC commissioner Jim Phillips; no definitive start time announced.
- 8:30 p.m. ET – FSU Athletics releases a statement confirming the suspension and ongoing electrical work.
Data & Statistics
- Transformer location: West side tower.
- Renovation cost: $250 million–$265 million.
- Seating capacity post-renovation: ~67,000.
- SMU ranking: No. 19 in the AP poll; 2.5-point favorite per FanDuel.
- Florida State record: 1-0 entering the game.
Official Statements & Responses
Florida State Athletics said technical staff are addressing the power disruption and electricians are working to restore service. The game remains suspended with another update forthcoming. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips told ESPN’s McGregor an update was expected at 8:20 p.m.; “They’re optimistic, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to play.” Both head coaches, Mike Norvell and Rhett Lashlee, agreed that if power returned each team would receive a 10-minute warm-up before kickoff; otherwise the game could be shifted to the following day.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans in the stadium responded to the darkness by flashing cell-phone lights and attempting a wave, while some expressed frustration with boos as the delay was announced.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Renovation cost: Sources differ on the total price—$250 million versus $265 million.
- Exact start-time projection: Outlets projected restoration between 8:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET, reflecting uncertainty in the backup plan’s timeline.
- Replay availability: Initial reports indicated replay would be unavailable during the outage; later updates did not confirm system functionality once lights returned.
What’s Next
Stadium electricians continue to work on the west-side transformer. An official decision on whether the game will resume tonight or be postponed to Tuesday will be communicated after the 8:20 p.m. ET update, pending power restoration. Both programs must adjust practice and travel plans accordingly, with Florida State’s next scheduled road game at Alabama on September 19.
