Editor’s Note: This article was written before news of the current NFL COVID-19 Outbreak. An article about that subject is being written right now.
While the news buzzes about promising vaccines and potential discoveries to help keep people safe from COVID-19, the sports industry has been scrambling to find ways to bounce back from the sting of the pandemic. All sports leagues—including the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and Major League Baseball (MLB)—are taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus. As each sport deals with the pandemic in unique ways, fans are also adjusting to the new norms of being a spectator during this challenging time.
Since the start of the pandemic, the NBA received an impeccable rating for the changes they made to ensure everyone’s safety. Currently, NBA players are mandated to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This “bubble” system eliminates all interactions with others to reduce the spread of coronavirus infections. The situation may not seem ideal; however, people recognize the importance of cooperation. “It’s an amazing thing, and it’s like history…this has never been done before, and to be a part of it is just a blessing,” described Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee. Although it has been successful at keeping everyone safe, there has been a lot of pressure on the league to generate profits. So far, the NBA has lost an estimated $500 million in ticket sales alone from a shortened season. Although they will not recover this enormous loss any time soon, they still have offered fans free virtual seats.
Similarly, the MLB is dealing with an abridged baseball season. Every team will play 60 total games – 102 games fewer than normal. This change is also hitting the league with huge economic losses. In order to limit travel and keep players healthy, teams will play most games against their division rivals; nevertheless, all stadiums are being utilized. The league is expected to lose billions in profit and many are still questioning whether there will be a World Series as the season rounds the bases. Athletes from every sport expressed concerns not only for themselves and their families, but also for their loyal fans. Despite the health precautions, dozens of players tested positive for the virus. “In baseball, at least 80 players and two dozen staffers have tested positive for the illness. On the Miami Marlins alone, at least 17 players and two coaches have been confirmed positive for the virus.”And, statistics change daily, suggesting more changes to come.
There have been changes and cancellations across the entire sports world. The NFL cancelled all preseason games and began with the regular season. They also allowed players to opt out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response, sixty-six players are sitting out the season. This change resulted in devastating losses for some teams, including Dont’a Hightower from the New England Patriots and C.J. Mosley from the New York Jets. For the players who decided to participate, masks are required when traveling and when in team facilities. Some teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns, allow fans to fill the stadium at a limited capacity while mandating mask-wearing. Although not all seats will be filled, Microsoft has promised to provide a virtual fan experience at NFL games. Microsoft’s “virtual fan experience” enables viewers to enjoy their favorite sports as if they were really there.
Although the pandemic has limited fans from physically being at games, technology has played a huge role in providing people a way to partake in the excitement virtually. Both players and fans have dealt with a lot of change over the recent months, as sports require this flexibility. It seems as though everything is in constant flux and up in the air like a coin toss; yet it surely is the perfect time for team loyalty and spirit.
Resources:
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-five-nfl-players-to-opt-out/
https://sports.nbcsports.com/2020/09/24/which-nfl-stadiums-will-allow-fans-in-week-2/
Crazy world we live in. Great article!