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.

Around 8:45 p.m., newly enshrined Eagles Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins started the celebration by introducing owner Jeffrey Lurie, who brought the Lombardi Trophy out on stage. Dawkins then led the fans in the team's fight song, "Fly, Eagles, Fly." After fireworks flew, the team's world championship banner was unveiled.

The teams were then brought onto the field for a 10-minute warmup before the playing of the national anthem and the opening kickoff.