When they do, will fans be in the stands?
By Harry Kaseff
Sports Head
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On Monday, May 18, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom said that pro sports may be able to return by the first week of June- but without fans. He went on to say that certain modifications would be necessary. Before making this statement, Governor Newsom had expressed doubt in regards to sports making a quick comeback.
His most recent statement provides NBA (National Basketball Association) fans hope in regards to their season continuing. This past weekend would have been the beginning of the Western Conference Finals. The projected matchup was the LA Clippers against the LA Lakers in a bitter crosstown rivalry. The Clippers had beaten the Lakers twice this season already, but the Lakers had won the most recent game.
The MLB (Major League Baseball) is now looking to start up and get back to their schedule as well. Baseball teams proposed to start their season in early July with no fans in the stands. Teams would play most games in their own geographic region and there would be an expanded playoff field. This proposal must be approved by the Players Union and a modified salary for players must also be negotiated. A shortened spring training would take place from mid to late June in Arizona, Florida, or home stadiums. For the first time, the designated hitter would also be in play for all games, no matter the circumstances. Rosters are also expected to expand from 26 to 50 players on game day.
The NFL (National Football League), on the other hand, is opening up facilities on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, where local and state guidelines allow it. Some teams have said that they are not going to have an offseason training program. An example of this is the New Orleans Saints; the head coach, Sean Payton, was diagnosed with the Coronavirus but has since made a successful recovery. The NFL has released its 17-week schedule with plans to start the regular season on time. They backloaded the season with divisional games as a contingency plan for the season not starting on time. Another contingency would be removing “bye weeks,” the Pro Bowl, and the week leading up to the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl would be played on a Sunday in February. Bye weeks may need to be added into the schedule at certain points in case of outbreaks. As of right now, the NFL is planning on continuing their season without fans in attendance.
No matter when sports officially come back, it will be a big sign of hope for the world as we look to bounce back from everything the coronavirus has done. It will be a great day when everyone can forget about the other problems in life and simply watch live sports again.
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