The Virginia Tech football season didn’t exactly start off as planned.
The team’s spring football game on Saturday, April 18, was delayed by nearly one hour after a skydiver crashed into the scoreboard at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia during pregame festivities. The skydiver was hanging by the lettering on the scoreboard for about 30 minutes before emergency personnel could reach him.
Prior to the crash, the skydiver seemed to be on a good course towards the field where he was supposed to land. Carrying a giant American flag, he was gliding down towards the stadium before coming up short and hitting the scoreboard.
The impact broke off some of the lettering on the scoreboard, and the skydiver was stuck dangling by his parachute until authorities could get him down with a ladder.
Soon after the rescue, the Virginia Tech Athletics Department reported that the skydiver was safe and “currently stable.”
“We are grateful to report that the skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable,” said the Virginia Tech Athletics Department via X. “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.”
The PA announcer at the stadium also announced to fans that the skydiver was OK.
Three skydivers made their way into the stadium, but only one landed onto the field as planned. Along with the skydiver who was stuck on the scoreboard, a third skydiver was pushed onto an adjacent practice field by the wind, according to authorities.
The scoreboard at Lane Stadium was visibly damaged when the skydiver made contact.
Later in the afternoon, reporter Andy Bitter posted a photo of the scoreboard, claiming to have seen the parachuter walking around in a sling.
“Just passed the parachuter outside,” Bitter said via X, along with the photo. “He’s walking away. Has his arm in a sling.”
Saturday marked the first day of the James Franklin era at Virginia Tech. The acclaimed football coach joined the Hokies after spending the last 12 seasons coaching at Penn State.
“There’s nobody that understands the importance of winning more than me,” Franklin said at his introductory press conference in November 2025. “But there’s also a way to do it with character and integrity and we’ll continue to do that and represent Virginia Tech the right way on and off the field.”
He continued, “You could not have found a coach that’s going to pour his heart and soul into this place … I give you my word on that.”
