Kickoff of the Gophers football team’s season opener against North Carolina has been tentatively pushed back to 8 p.m. Thursday due to the threat of severe weather at Huntington Bank Stadium. The game originally was set to kick off at 7 p.m.

The Gophers said they consulted with the National Weather Service, the Big Ten, campus officials and city partners.

“Fans are encouraged to take the necessary precautions needed prior to tonight’s game,” the U said. “Fans on campus can seek shelter inside Williams Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci as needed. Premium gates to Huntington Bank Stadium will open at 5 p.m. and gates for the general public will open at 6:30 p.m.”

The Gophers will postpone the game for 30 minutes if there are lightning strikes within an 8-mile radius of the stadium. The Gophers are prepared to play late into the evening to get the game in.

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