Full Breakdown
Power Outage Delays FSU-SMU ACC Opener
9/9/2026, 6:32:42 AM
The Outage and Its Immediate Impact
On September 7, 2026, a loss of electricity on the west side of Doak Campbell Stadium halted the scheduled kickoff of the Florida State–SMU ACC opening game. A failed 1200-amp main breaker in University Center C knocked out stadium lighting, press-box power, Wi-Fi, sideline iPads, the PA system, the scoreboard and the game-clock. After nearly two hours of troubleshooting, partial power was restored, allowing the teams to warm up and begin play at 9:15 p.m. instead of the original 7:35 p.m. kickoff.
Background & Context
Doak Campbell Stadium completed a $250 million renovation before the 2025 season, adding a new electrical distribution system centered on UCC. Earlier that week the campus experienced storm-related outages, but officials said those incidents did not affect the stadium. A viral video of a car striking an electrical box was also circulated; university officials clarified that the crash involved a separate circuit.
Timeline of Events
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 p.m. | Countdown clock stopped; lights went out. |
| 7:35 p.m. | Delay announced (initially five minutes). |
| 8:20 p.m. | ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said an update was expected. |
| 8:25 p.m. | Generators positioned on the ninth floor. |
| 9:00 p.m. | Sufficient lighting restored. |
| 9:15 p.m. | Game began. |
| Late 2nd half | Full game-clock and replay systems restored. |
| Post-game | SMU won 27–24 on a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left. |
Data & Statistics
- Final score: SMU 27, Florida State 24.
- Delay: ? 1 hour 45 minutes.
- SMU QB Kevin Jennings: 26-of-36, 430 yds, 3 TDs.
- Florida State RB Ousmane Kromah: 22 carries, 116 yds, 1 TD.
Official Statements & Responses
- Alison Faris, city spokesperson, confirmed Tallahassee’s municipal grid was unaffected and the incident was isolated to stadium equipment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Early coverage described the delay as a brief five-minute pause, while the interruption lasted nearly two hours.
- Some outlets blamed a “blown” transformer; the university’s technical report identified a short circuit in the busway that damaged the main breaker.
- Social-media videos suggested a car crash caused the outage; officials clarified the crash involved a separate circuit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on initial phone calls this appears to be an issue on the stadium end rather than the @CityofTLH Grid,” — Cody Farrill, deputy chief of staff for Gov
- “The breaker could not be safely restored to service, and the associated electrical gear sustained damage requiring complete replacement,” — Amy Farnum-Patronis, FSU spokesperson
- “There wasn't friction one time during any of the communication that we had, and we really needed to also listen and be led by the agencies that were involved in this,” — Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner
