Yes, a tornado has touched down during an NFL game, specifically during a Sunday Night Football matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on October 20, 2019.
The 2019 Dallas Tornado Event
While the game itself was played safely indoors at AT&T Stadium, a significant weather event unfolded outside. Shortly before kickoff, at 8:13 p.m. Eastern Time, the city of Arlington was placed under a tornado watch. As the game progressed into its second half, a tornado touched down approximately north and east of Arlington around 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Details of the Event
This incident highlighted the importance of severe weather protocols and the protective nature of enclosed stadiums in mitigating risks to fans and players during adverse weather conditions.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | October 20, 2019 |
| Teams | Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles |
| Location | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Game Status | Sunday Night Football |
| Tornado Watch | Issued for Arlington at 8:13 p.m. Eastern, shortly before kickoff |
| Tornado Touchdown | Approximately 10:15 p.m. Eastern, north and east of Arlington, during the second half of the game |
| Stadium Impact | Game continued safely indoors due to the enclosed structure |
Stadium Safety During Severe Weather
Modern NFL stadiums, particularly those with retractable roofs or fully enclosed designs like AT&T Stadium, are built to provide a safe environment for large crowds, even when severe weather events like tornadoes occur nearby. These structures are engineered to withstand significant wind loads and provide shelter, allowing games to proceed without interruption while emergency services manage the external situation. Public address systems and digital displays can also keep attendees informed of external weather alerts, while fans inside remain protected.
For more information on the event and general stadium safety during severe weather, you can refer to reports from reputable news outlets covering the incident, such as this article on CBS Sports.
