News Editor

The Ravens were ahead 28-6 when the lights began to fade less than two minutes into the third quarter in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Viewers were completely taken aback by the outage, concerned as to whether or not the game was going to continue on.

According to CBSNews.com, “Officials of Entergy New Orleans said, ‘the device, called a relay, had been installed in switching gear to protect the Superdome from a cable failure between the company’s incoming power line and lines that run into the stadium.'” The ‘device’ was the cause of the power outage.

Julianne Hernandez, a sophomore biology major and a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers said, “As soon as I had noticed the lights going out, I wasn’t sure if they were planning on postponing the game or how long it was going to take away from the game.”

Not only did this cause a great uproar for viewers but it also lead to many questioning whether or not Beyonce’s halftime performance was the cause of the power outage. Also, photos of Eli Manning yanking electrical chords surfaced the web as well as images of New Orleans coach Sean Payton. Could it have been the abundant amount of lighting and equipment used within the halftime show that caused this? Might it have been Eli Manning taking revenge against the 49ers? Or could it have been nothing more than a technical error?

The entire game was at a standstill for 34 minutes as viewers awaited a response from officials to when the game would resume.

Carlos Gutierrez, a senior communications major said, “The announcers kept saying 15 minutes until the game will start and then there was another announcement, 20 more minutes until the lights will be running again. I kept thinking it was some sort of hoax.”

Players were scattered throughout the field. Some were lying down, others gearing up for the last half of the game.

According to NFL.com, “Ravens left guard Kelechi Osemele said, ‘The whole time, I was just praying to be honest, man. I was just praying for the opportunity to get back out there. For us to try and get the momentum. Honestly, I was just praying to God that we would have the opportunity to get back out there for the opportunity to hold the ball and help our defense.'”

After the 34 minutes passed the game resumed as planned. The 49ers made an astonishing comeback, gaining 17 points within the final half of the game. Viewers were at the end of their seats as the score took a substantial turn.

Yesenia Contreras, a freshman psychology major said, “I knew at the start of the game the Ravens were going to take it, but then the 49ers came out of nowhere at the end of the second half. I started wondering if the power outage had any effect on them.”

It came down to one final touchdown attempt for the 49ers, but they were unsuccessful. The final score was Ravens 34, 49ers 31.

Viewers are still unaware to what exactly occurred throughout the time the power went out. “I wonder if it was purposely done or if it was just a technical issue? I know the company has given their assumption on the matter but what’s to say it wasn’t Eli Manning?,” said Contreras.

Not only has this caused a great deal of uproar among viewers but it may also lead to a new location for events like the Super Bowl in the future.  I don’t believe anyone within the NFL association caused the outage; however, I do believe the allotted amount of time the game was postponed had an effect on the 49ers. Regardless, the game came and went and the Ravens were the victors.

As for the Superdome, it’s best they make sure their electrical units are squared away before the beginning of the next season.