Power outage delays Super Bowl 34 minutes in third quarter

Lights and power went out for 34 minutes early in the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVII. (AP)

In one of the most bizarre moments in the 47-year history of America’s greatest game, a power outage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome suspended play of Super Bowl XLVII for 34 minutes Sunday evening.

The Ravens were just celebrating a 108-yard kickoff return by Jacoby Jones for a touchdown and appeared ready to put the game away.

With the 49ers trailing 28-6 and facing a third-and-14, stadium lights cut out on San Francisco’s side of the field. Then lights went out throughout the building.

The NFL released the following statement after play resumed: “Stadium authorities are investigating the cause of the power outage. We will have more information as it becomes available.”

Superdome spokesman Eric Eagan followed with a statement on behalf of the building: “We sincerely apologize for the incident.”

Speculation was rampant following a spectacular halftime show by Beyonce that required numerous flashing lights and finished with dramatic flare.

The 49ers captured the game’s momentum, scoring 23 points in just over 12 minutes of game time following the outage.