Parachuter CRASHES into scoreboard — delaying game for over an hour

Peter Stevens
Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:11:06 +0000

A parachuter has crashed into a scoreboard at an American football game, delaying its start.

The blunder happened at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium as two parachuters with American flag descended down to start the game.

The first glider, with a smaller flag, managed to safely clear the stadium's board.

But, the second, carrying a larger flag, seemed to have caught a gust of wind, causing them to collide just above the video screen.

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Virginia Tech, a division 1 collegiate American football programme, was set to play their spring game at 3pm.

However, the unexpected incident caused the game to be delayed for over an hour as emergency services scrambled to recover the parachuter.

The parachuter appeared to be left dangling between the letter "C" and "H" in Virginia Tech.

They then dropped their American flag and smaller parachute into the stands as they were suspended.

The first ladder truck was not long enough to reach the skydiver, leaving him stranded for even longer.

Blacksburg ladder 12, the second ladder truck, was used to recover the parachuter as spectators witnessed the rescue in shock.

Andy Bitter, the lead football reporter for Tech Sideline, said he passed the parachuter outside the stadium.

Mr Bitter said his arm was in a sling as he shared an image of the potentially dangerous drop that might have occurred if he was not caught up with the scoreboard.

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The game eventually started at 4.04pm EDT (9.04 BST).

Virginia Tech Hokies fans were shown messages updating the status of the game as the situation unfolded.

One read: "We are waiting for EMTs to get out of the board. Thank you for your patience."

College American football's spring practice and season is now underway, with the first set of spring games scheduled for April 18.

American football spring games serve as previews for college students and fans to watch newly-formed 2026 rosters play after recruiting new players and losing players to the NFL draft or school transfers.

In a statement posted to X, Virginia Tech Athletics said: "We are grateful to report the skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable. Our primary focus remains on their well-being.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff, and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response."

Virginia Tech Police Department told the New York Post the incident was "resolved" and the parachuter did not require hospital.

The first day of the NFL draft kicks off on April 23, with Indiana's Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza widely expected to be drafted first by the Las Vegas Raiders.