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Scott Hanson, NFL RedZone crew forced to evacuate studio during broadcast

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•11/26/23•

NikkiChavanelle

Scott Hanson RedZone
David Becker/Getty Images

Seven hours of commercial-free football came to an abrupt halt on Sunday night. NFL RedZone, hosted by Scott Hanson, had to hand the broadcast over to the CBS game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills briefly because of an evacuation alarm at the show’s studios in Inglewood, California.

“Scott Hanson back with you in the NFL RedZone studios,” Hanson reported in the studio. “The alarm continues to go off here, I’m told it is safe to be in my position right now to tell you that the final score is on the board there between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns (29-12) game, Broncos win it at home.

“That means the Eagles and Bills game is the last game standing. You can flip over to see if the station in your area is carrying the game.”

The RedZone host managed the situation with the air of someone highly capable of handling chaos – as he does most Sundays, especially during the witching hour.

“I’m reminded of an old Chinese proverb: ‘May you live to see interesting times.’ I’ve never had this happen before. But we soldier on with the top five plays on NFL RedZone,” Hanson said.

RedZone soldiers on despite blaring alarm

Despite the studio difficulties, the broadcast was still able to wrap up with all of the usual post-game highlights including every touchdown from every game.

After the RedZone broadcast ended, the Bills and Eagles gave NFL fans some free football thanks to a last-second field goal by Philadelphia. Tied up at 31-31, the game is headed to overtime.

One of the RedZone control room operators shared that even if there had been a lot of time left in the afternoon games amid the evacuation drama, there was a backup control room ready to rake the reins.

“Fun fact: there is always a backup crew for NFL Red Zone…. 3,000 miles away at NFL Films in Mount Laurel, New Jersey,” Jason Hartelius posted on X. “We’re here to jump in if there’s an emergency. Turns out they didn’t need us today. But we were ready! Backup QB duty!”

Hanson also jumped on X to share a message – and to let everyone know he’s alright.

“Well, that was…. interesting,” he tweeted. “Alarm has stopped. Apparently all clear. Still waiting on details. Thanks for watching NFL RedZone week 12 ! One to remember.”