Confusion and chaos ensued in the second quarter when a smoke alarm was set off on the east side of the stadium.

Alarms all across the stadium were activated and an automated computer voice announced from the PA system for everyone in the stadium to evacuate. 

Several thousand of the 17,213 announced attendance exited the stadium and didn’t return. 

The alarm occurred inside the final two minutes of the first half with WKU leading 28-10. 

WKU Athletics issued a statement in the second half regarding the incident.

“At the end of the second quarter, a smoke alarm on the east side of the stadium was incorrectly activated. The Emergency Operations Center immediately recognized it as a false alarm, and the referees were notified and play continued. When the alarm was activated, all public address and microphone communication inside the stadium was silenced, and an all-clear announcement was made as soon as possible.”