Detroit Lions

Start of Lions-Buccaneers delayed by bad weather

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:31 p.m. ET

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The NFL preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has begun following a 59-minute delay because of lightning and heavy rain.

Players left the field and fans were directed to seek cover in concourses, ramps and club seat dining areas at Raymond James Stadium about 40 minutes before the scheduled 8 p.m. kickoff Friday night.

When the storm cleared, the teams returned to field for player introductions and a 20-minute warmup period before the national anthem.