Salida Spartans Boy’s Basketball (Photo courtesy of Salida Spartans Boys Basketball Facebook page)
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, every facet of America’s social fabric is being affected, including sports. In fact, the sports world is in the process of being turned upside down by the spread of the virus. The emphasis, say owners, coaches and team leaders is on player and team safety.
Wednesday evening, just as U.S. President Donald Trump was addressing the nation from the Oval Office regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Basketball Association (NBA) suspended the rest of its multi-billion-dollar season, when a member of the Utah Jazz was diagnosed a presumptive positive for COVID-19.
The National Hockey League has suspended their season. Major League Soccer games in Europe are being played to empty stadiums. Several Major League Baseball teams in affected areas are halting spring training and Major League Baseball opening day is postponed two weeks. The NCAA conference “March Madness” men’s and women’s tournaments are cancelled.
The biggest sports event in the world, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo is still on, but organizers have already voiced concerns that the disease could cause problems.
Across the country, large events, from the Houston Rodeo and Stock show to St. Patrick’s Day parades that have never been cancelled in their 250 year histories, are being cancelled.
The economic ripple is incalculable at the moment. The effects will be most brutally felt by hourly workers at the arenas, not to mention the small businesses in the shadow of stadiums and arenas – the restaurants, and bars close to stadiums dependent for their livelihoods on sports.
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