Weather delays NFL opener between Eagles, Falcons

The opening kickoff of the NFL regular-season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons was delayed 45 minutes due to inclement weather at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night.

Fans were asked to seek cover from thunderstorms in the area about 20 minutes before kickoff, as dark clouds loomed overhead, lightning struck nearby and heavy rain fell. Teams left the field and went to their respective locker rooms.

Kickoff was later announced to be pushed back from 8:20 p.m. ET to 9:05 p.m. Fans were invited back to their seats around 8:35 p.m.

The storm, which arrived in the middle of a humid 88-degree evening, also delayed the Eagles' unveiling of their Super Bowl LII championship banner.

The game was expected to start after a 10-minute warmup for the players and the unveiling of the Eagles' banner.