The pregame festivities did not go as planned ahead of Virginia Tech’s spring football game on Saturday.A parachuter carrying the American flag into Lane Stadium was unable to land on the field and instead got caught on a scoreboard above the stands. As the parachute was caught on top of the scoreboard, the parachuter was dangling in front of the video board. Take a look at the frightening scene; the parachuter thankfully appeared to be OK.

He’s ok but omg!!! A parachutist just crashed into the scoreboard at the Virginia Tech football game. pic.twitter.com/wHV3tejwiH— Kristin Thorne (@KristinThorne) April 18, 2026The pre-game parachute jumper hit the scoreboard at the Virginia Tech Spring Game. The game has been delayed indefinitely.

The officials have walked off the field. pic.twitter.com/sXL08OccvX— Mitch Carr (@mitchcarrtv) April 18, 2026As you can imagine, that was not an easy rescue to attempt. The game, originally scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, was delayed as the Virginia Tech fire department needed to get a crane to extricate the parachuter from the parachute and safely get the person down.

Winds have been approximately 15 MPH on Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg, Virginia.Harrowing moment before #Hokies’ spring game as a skydiver gets stuck on the video board. He appears OK, and crane has emerged to rescue. pic.twitter.com/T9r3KHsPZf— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) April 18, 2026They’ve got him in the bucket. #Hokiespic.twitter.com/cGqkchzKJ2— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) April 18, 2026Saturday’s game was the first Virginia Tech spring game for new coach James Franklin. The former Penn State coach was hired at the end of the 2025 season following his midseason departure from PSU.

Franklin was fired halfway through the 2025 season as Penn State lost three straight games to fall to 3-3 after a 3-0 start. Virginia Tech was 3-9 season and has had losing seasons in five of the last six years. Franklin’s teams have only posted two losing seasons throughout his time at Penn State and Vanderbilt.