Sporting Events Update
The rise and fall of COVID-19 feels like it has been going on forever. Some states report that numbers are down while others are gaining newer cases each day.
For the sports world, this is also true. Everything has been either pushed back or shut down completely, especially overseas. Some major sports in the US have made strides to get everything back to a schedule, but some have been unable to gain traction yet.
Update For Sporting Events
As the sports world attempts to regulate their seasons, they have to go through extra precautions to ensure everyone is safe and secure. Each league has very similar guidelines to go by and are taking the necessary steps to do so.
Some of these guidelines are not allowing fans to enter the arena. This will help with any distancing issues or sanitation hurdles.
Here are how the leagues are responding:
NFL
The NFL is home to the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched sporting events and sports bets of the year. The NFL Players Association’s team player representatives were called to a meeting to get the season underway and for the next Super Bowl progress. They also discussed the financial side of things.
The season is expected to start on September 10. The first game will be with the Houston Texans taking on the Kansas City Chiefs.
There have been cancellations with the Hall of Fame Game and induction ceremony. The league is also contemplating just two preseason games for each team.
The league is also in discussion about how many fans, if any, would be allowed into the stadium. For example, the Dolphins have plans in place to allow up to 15,000 people for a 65,000 capacity facility.
NHL
Betting on the NHL’s biggest sporting event would be the Stanley Cup. Training camps are now open, and the 24 team tournament is set for August 1. As far as training camps go, they are not planning to quarantine players. These playoff games will be conducted in empty arenas in two hub cities.
These would also house players and staff during the attempt at a restart. These hubs will have secure arenas, hotels, and practice cities with aggressive COVID-19 testing and safety protocols at each of these sites.
NBA
Twenty-two teams will compete at the Walt Disney World campus in part of a week of exhibitions right before the season restart officially tipping off on July 30. Following these exhibitions, there will be a play-in tournament to decide postseason berths. This would lead The Finals, the most-watched NBA sporting event with a lot of betting opportunities.
Fans will not be allowed to attend these games. The season will not go past October for the playoffs. It is rumored they will start the 2020-2021 season in December, but of course, that is subject to change.
MLS
The MLS is Back Tournament began on July 8 and will proceed until Aug. 11, with a total of 54 games. Usually, the event to look out for is the MLS Cup, but this will most likely be in for next season. There will not be any fans allowed in the arena, and there will be special time slots for televised events.
The league also will be partaking in a $1 million prize pool. This prize fund will help support local charities within the clubs’ hoke market.
MLB
MLB is set for a 60-game schedule and then on to the postseason. However, this is all subject to changes. Fans expecting a World Series might not want to get too excited just yet.
A recent outbreak within the Miami Marlins organization has hit players, coaches, and other staff. This could ultimately end the season for the MLB before it ever really got started.
NCAA
College football is looking to get a season together soon after the summer is over. Division I football is planning a six-week preseason practice, which has already been given the NCAA D-1 Council's approval.
Even though practices are set to begin on August 7, many of these schools have already postponed their summer training. Cases such as these are starting to show signs of increase.
For example, the Patriot League consists of schools such as American University, Boston University, and the U.S. Naval Academy, which have postponed long-distance games.
Conclusion
As these sporting events start to unfold, nothing is exactly set in stone. As noted, these are all subject to the conditions from the COVID-19. So do not hold your breath for a specific event.
For betting opportunities, take the best of what you can get before a season for a league is postponed. Remember to do your research and to put your best strategy forward.
