Tuesday, March 11, 2025

5 Years Since Sports COVID-19 Pandemic Day

     Today marked the fifth anniversary of sports pandemic day. All North American sports organizations shut down their leagues on March 11, 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus. 
     The National Basketball Association, with commissioner Adam Silver, was the first sport to suspend future contests. On a South Florida standpoint, it was announced during the second half of a Miami Heat home contest versus the Charlotte Hornets.
     Other sports organizations would suspend future games. The Florida Panthers were to play at the Dallas Stars when National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman made the decision. 
     Inter Miami CF had just started their inaugural season in Major League Soccer and participated in their first regular season game at LAFC. They were ready to play their home opener that weekend against LA Galaxy, however future contests were suspended.
     In Major League Baseball, spring training games throughout Florida were cancelled and would not be made up. Regular season games were suspended to begin the 2020 season.
     Other local sporting events were affected. The Miami Open outside of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens was suspended. So was a NASCAR race scheduled for Miami-Homestead Speedway. 
     Horse racing would be the only sport to continue during the pandemic. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale had races, but the public was not allowed in the venue. 

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