The countdown to the Super Bowl may be jeopardized if extreme weather interferes with the expected Sunday, Feb. 2, game day.
According to Yahoo Sports, a Super Bowl date change may be in order for the first time ever if it's too cold or snowy on the expected date. The game could reportedly take place any time between Friday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb. 3.
"We are embracing the weather," commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday. "Our game is to experience the elements. It's part of what we do. It's part of football, and I believe that's part of our history,"
The National Football League has put plans into place just in case a "game postponement is necessary." The League took to opportunity to practice their Super Bowl contingency plan when more than 1,000 workers shoveled out 13 inches of snow from the stands at Metlife Stadium on Wednesday.
ABC News reported that the current forecast for game day in East Rutherford, N.J. is for a high of 40. There is also a 30 percent chance of rain and/or snow.
"NFL officials are hoping fans embrace the first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl in league history," Yahoo Sports reported. "They will receive earmuffs, hat, lip balm, mittens, cup holder, scarf, tissues, a radio to listen to the game, hand warmers, a seat cushion and a waist-wrap, quarterback-style hand pocket."
Yahoo News reported that NFL vice president of operations, Eric Grubman, believes the event will still go on without a problem.
"I think that the various events that we have are going off without a hitch and in fact have already begun because staging this stadium is an event in and of itself," Grubman said. "We don't have a crystal ball on weather, but we're confident we'll be able to have our events."
Roughly 80,000 fans are expected to attend the game, but may face a variety of challenges, including travel, lodging, and ticket alterations. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:25 p.m. ET.
"Our aim is to play it at 6:30 p.m. [Sunday] and we are going to have every possible resources in place to do that along as conditions are safe," Grubman said. "But if not, we have contingent plans with a lot of options available to us."
