The start of UAB’s 2024 football season-opener vs. Alcorn State has been delayed indefinitely by lightning in the downtown Birmingham area.

The game was originally scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Protective Stadium, but has been pushed back to at least 8:02 p.m. NCAA rules dictate that if a lightning strike is detected within six miles of the stadium, there is an automatic 30-minute delay.

UAB is entering its second season under coach Trent Dilfer after going 4-8 in 2023. Alcorn State, a member of the SWAC, went 7-4 last season.