Fans in attendance at this weekend’s Austin Peay vs. Murray State game were forced to take shelter in safer areas within APSU's Dunn Center after a powerful storm damaged the area.
According to the Leaf-Chronicle, the game was halted with less than 6 minutes left to play when the Austin Peay’s Dunn Center was struck by what officials believe was lightning. The strike created a hole in the roof for rain to leak through, and the game was delayed for three hours as officials worked to come up with a solution.
We have a leak in the arena roof. Fans are being advised to take shelter. Updates as they become available. @LetsGoPeay
— APSU Mens Basketball (@AustinPeayMBB) February 25, 2018
As water leaked onto the court, garbage cans were moved beneath the leaky roof, and towels were used to help absorb the rainwater. Meanwhile, fans moved into nearby hallways and athletic offices. The game ultimately did resume, but not until after midnight.
Local TV station WKRN reports that some of the debris from the roof struck a fan, who was transported to a local hospital.
Alisa R. White, Austin Peay’s president, expressed support for the school’s response on Twitter, writing: “Thanks to our incredible athletics department leaders and physical plant professionals for outstanding work tonight. You did a great job handling a big crowd and the elements in what could have been a much worse situation.”
