The continued rise in the reported cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19), both domestic and internationally, has forced the WHO to declare a pandemic. There have now been more than 1,100 cases in the United States, forcing people from all over the country to alter their daily lives while workplaces, schools, and public event coordinators are quickly altering schedules due to the concerns about spreading the virus.
Sporting events, from youth leagues to professional sports, are also experiencing the effects of the unknowns surrounding coronavirus. The ATP/WTA tennis tournament at Indian Wells, California—which is often referred to as Tennis’ Fifth Major—was called off this week due to cases being reported in the Coachella Valley. Since then, more sporting events have been altered or canceled, following the similar steps taken in Europe.
And there will most likely be more to come, adding to a list that already includes major concerts, movies, and festivals.
To help keep you aware of what’s been moved, altered, or canceled thus far in the sports world, below is a current list (as of 3/11/20).
NCAA
- According to a release by NCAA president Mark Emmert, all NCAA championship events will take place, but with only essential staff and limited family in attendance. These restrictions are included at both the men’s and women’s D-1 basketball tournaments.
Here is the statement released by Emmert:
While I understand how disappointing this is for fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how Covid-19 is progressing in the United States.
- The opening games in Dayton, Ohio (the First Four) and the first two rounds of play in Cleveland will take place without any fans in attendance. Ohio has prohibited ‘mass gatherings’ in the state.
- College Basketball Invitational Tournament—the 16-team tournament for teams that don’t get into the NCAA Tournament or the NIT—has been canceled.
- The Ivy League canceled its conference tourney on Tuesday, crowing regular-season champ Yale as the overall winner.
- USC and UCLA: Both schools announced that all home sporting events (regardless of sport) will take place without fans.
NBA
- Golden State Warriors home games: After the San Francisco Health Office (SFHO) declared that no events with more than 1,000 people in attendance would take place, the Warriors announced that they will not permit fans for home games.
Note: The NBA continues to discuss what precautions should be taken for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. As of now—with exceptions of informing the players of safety etiquette to avoid the virus, the halt of Chinese Basketball League players signing NBA contracts, and the limited media access—there have been no more updates regarding the cancellation or altering of events.
MLB
- Currently, only restricting access to all media (for spring training and into the season) has been decided by the MLB.
NFL
- No updates regarding the draft or any measure for late summer.
NHL
- The Columbus Blue Jackets, per Ohio’s ban on ‘mass gatherings,’ have now restricted fans from attending home games.
International soccer
- This week, the Noord-Brabant province in the Netherlands called off all professional soccer matches. Included in this cancellation is Eindhoven, where the U.S. is scheduled to play the Dutch national team in an exhibition on March 26.
- Atletico Madrid President Cerezo says UEFA considering postponing Euro 2020 to 2021 due to COVID-19 coronavirus.
- All professional soccer games in Spain, France and Portugal with played without fans in attendance.
- Champions League, Europa League have restricted fans from attending games.
- The Spanish league (first and second divisions) is restricting fan access for two weeks.
- Italy suspended all sporting events in the country—which includes Serie A soccer games and prep for the Tokyo Olympics—until April 3.
- The French league will play without fans until April 15 (as of now).
MLS
- Seattle Sounders have postponed a home match against Dallas that was scheduled for March 21.
XFL
- The Seattle Dragons will play the Los Angeles Wildcats on Sunday without fans in attendance.
Tennis (ATP/WTA)
- The Masters 1000 (ATP) and Premier Mandatory (WTA) event at Indian Wells (CA) has been canceled.
Summer Olympics
- The status, according to talks with the IOC, is that a concrete set of guidelines for the 2020 Olympics—including if the games even take place— might not happen until late May.
NASCAR
- NASCAR is implementing new procedures, beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway, that aim to protect the drivers, fans, and everyone involved during the event. The precautions range from asking drivers to pre-sign memorabilia for fans (as opposed to signing autographs) to respecting a six-foot buffer zone with the media to open-air meetings. An infectious disease specialist has also been assigned to the medical staff.
Motocross
- Washington’s ban on events of more than 250 people in three counties—one of which is King—has forced organizers to cancel the Seattle Supercross.
MISC. sporting events in US
- MotoGP, which is the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, was postponed until November.