In 2020, our professional sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB made massive changes so they could continue play during the pandemic. These changes included limiting in-person attendance, requiring daily testing of all players and personnel, and canceling or postponing events where participants had possible exposure. These efforts have had a mixed level of success.

When COVID initially struck the United States in early 2020, sports leagues responded by canceling or postponing all events. Fans were distraught when they learned they wouldn’t be able to watch their favorite teams in action.

“I look forward to March Madness every year and I couldn’t believe it when it was canceled,” junior Dallas Richards said.

Events such as the NCAA tournament and the Masters Golf Tournament were completely canceled. Other events were postponed as leagues and governing bodies discussed how to save their seasons and protect their athletes.

The leagues came up with different plans, some of the strategies were shared between leagues while some were unique. The NBA created “The Bubble” where all players and personnel for the 22 invited teams were quarantined for multiple months in the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. No visitors were allowed and there were no spectators at the games in the shortened season. All participants were tested daily and there were no positive tests in the three months the teams were there. The season was able to successfully conclude with a championship tournament. For the ensuing season, the NBA switched to a model where teams play in their home arenas, but the season was shortened by 10 games and the scheduling has been set up to reduce travel.

The NFL had a different approach, electing to have teams play in their home stadiums while limiting fan attendance as they played a full season. NFL players and personnel were also tested daily, beginning with training camp, and limited contact to stay safe. The NFL was strict about masks and social distancing, and fined several coaches who were seen on the sidelines without masks. This strategy was generally successful, as only six games were postponed because of COVID-19 outbreaks. Individual players and coaches were also required to sit out games due to positive tests. The NFL plans to finish its season with Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida, which will allow 20 percent capacity in-person attendance.

“At least we still have the Super Bowl commercials to look forward to. One thing the pandemic can’t take!” sophomore Ethan Spruill said.

The MLB was one of the first leagues to return to play. They usually play a 162-game season, but this year they played only 60 games. Games were played in stadiums but no crowds were allowed. The MLB tested all players and personnel regularly and posted the results in a public forum. The MLB saw more interruptions and postponements than the other leagues. Dozens of games were rescheduled or moved to alternate stadiums because of outbreaks among teams. Observers noted that the MLB seemed to have issues with players and coaches wearing masks and observing social distance protocols. The MLB did manage to complete their season with a World Series where crowds of 25 percent capacity were allowed.

For many, the loss of the shared experiences of attending sporting events or watching them on television with friends was one of the major disappointments of 2020.

Junior Colin Weisenborn comments, “A friend and I had plans to attend the Ravens-Chiefs game in Baltimore and we were really excited. When they limited attendance, the tickets got crazy expensive. It was really disappointing to lose out on that experience.”

Thankfully, leagues eventually adapted and found ways to keep as much of the sports experience alive as was possible during the pandemic.