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SOUTH BEND, Ind >> Fans were asked to evacuate Notre Dame Stadium at halftime of Saturday’s game against South Florida as lightning flashed near the facility. One storm passed over the area but another was approaching, delaying the start of the second half.
South Florida held a 16-0 lead over No. 16 Notre Dame after the second quarter.
Fans were told they could go to buildings near the stadium to seek refuge. Some of them remained in their seats before they were chased out minutes later by a hard rain.
The half ended at 5:12 p.m. EDT and an official said the teams would remain in their locker rooms until it was determined that it was safe for play to continue.
After the rain stopped, some student managers at Notre Dame went to the bench area to collect and cart off some gear. Shortly thereafter, officials announced that a second storm with high winds was approaching and it would take at least another half an hour to determine if play could continue.
A Notre Dame spokesman said teams must play three full quarters for the game to be official, according to the NCAA.
