We certainly have entered uncharted territory, haven't we? Seems we're saying that a lot lately, but this new wrinkle is flat out bizarre.
Having sports competitions without fans…
This isn’t new, it has precedent. However, that precedent is usually a way for a governing body to punish a team's fans for abhorrent behavior. In Europe, we see it far too often with club and national team soccer matches. But now, due to COVID-19, are we going to see it as a rule, and not the exception, for the foreseeable future?
The Formula One season kicks-off this weekend in Australia. It will have all the pageantry and spectacle you'd expect with a global event. Race two? Not so much. The Bahrain Grand Prix on March 22nd will be run without spectators for the first time in Formula One history. There are already rumblings that the NBA, NHL and XFL are discussing possible scenarios where they would ban fans from attending games…nothing official, but the fact that it's even being discussed behind closed doors is unprecedented.
So, here's my question: At what point do we cancel all these events as opposed to playing them in empty stadiums and arenas? I mean, we certainly aren't having all the Ultra DJ's come to town and perform in front of an empty Bayfront Park, are we?
What's your call? Leave your comment below!