Wrigley Field opened its gates Friday 90 minutes before first pitch of a showdown series between the Cardinals and, as is customary, but with multiple lightning strikes visible in the area, the ballpark’s video board carried an admonition to clear the seating bowl.
Moments later, a second thunderstorm swept through the premises, dumping blinding rain on the premises, causing Cardinals pitchers who were warming up in the outfield to seek shelter.
But with conditions calming, the club announced at 2:10 p.m. that the start of Friday’s game has been pushed back just 10 minutes, to 3:15 from its original 3:05 start.
The Wrigley Field grounds crew began removing the tarp covering the infield at 2:15., and fans were advised by the video boards that they could return safely to their seats.