Despite early kickoff, heat still impacts fans at Mizzou
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Mizzou Tigers moved today’s kickoff against Louisiana Lafayette three hours earlier in an effort to spare fans and players from extreme heat. Despite the switch, many in Faurot Field still found themselves battling sweltering conditions.
“Yeah, it’s hot out here it’s really hot,” one fan told ABC 17 as temperatures and full sun made the afternoon feel relentless. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said the turf reached a blistering 176 degrees.
Fans arrived prepared with water, handheld fans, and sunscreen, but the heat still took a toll. By halftime, nearly half the stadium had emptied.
“It’s just too hot for me,” said Mizzou fan Jennifer McNew. “I got overheated, so I came out to cool off.”
Others were spotted balancing alcohol and water, a combination health officials say increases the risk of heat-related illness. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jon Carney said it is dangerous to drink alcohol in high temperatures.
“I know some people like to consume alcohol during the football games,” Carney said. “Alcohol there’s almost nothing worse you can put in your body in these kinds of hot temperatures.”
Nurse Practitioner Jackie Beshear, who spoke with ABC 17 earlier in the week, stressed the importance of water, light clothing, sunscreen, and hats. She also underscored the risks of heat exhaustion.
“It can be extremely dangerous,” Beshear said. “They can have heat exhaustion. They can pass out, they can have cramping, they can lose consciousness.”
First responders were busy throughout the afternoon. ABC 17 witnessed one mother collapse from heat exhaustion before being treated and stabilized on scene. ABC 17 has reached out to MU Health for the number of patients treated for heat-related illness during the game and is awaiting a response.
Separately, Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Kyle Green confirmed troopers issued 25 ejection cards at last week’s game against Kansas.