DENVER -- The long-anticipated start of the NFL season was delayed by weather.

Right before the national anthem for the game between the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos, there was an announcement at Sports Authority Field that a severe lightning storm pushed back kickoff 15 minutes.

The delay lasted until 9:05 p.m. ET, when players were allowed to warm up before the 9:12 p.m. kickoff.

Both teams remained in the locker room during the delay. Some fans left their seats to take cover from the weather.

There was a 20 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

The delay was 34 minutes long, according to ESPN Stats and Analysis, the same amount of time as the power-failure delay in Super Bowl XLVII.