When the news of the COVID-19 Pandemic started to spread across the country, back in March of 2020, there was panic and fear across our nation, not knowing what to do. Professional sports were shut down and our normal daily lives were put on hold. The number of people who were either infected or died from this pandemic was shocking and very upset at the loss of loved ones.
When professional sports came back, we had one location bubble, to restart the seasons in all leagues, with the exception of Major League Baseball having a delay to start their season. Major League Soccer and the lower levels brought their teams back to their respective stadiums after a successful MLS is Back Tournament that was played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
For over a year all MLS stadiums were empty, but only allowing a handful of media members to enter and work in a different location of the stadiums so that they would stay away from the player’s benches, so not to risk another new outbreak. But after a year has passed since the news of this coronavirus was announced, it looks like things are about to get better.
While in Florida and Texas they were allowing fans in small numbers to return to the stadium, the majority of the country was playing in empty stadiums. When this season began a small number of fans were allowed in, but now in late May and going into the middle of June it looks like all outdoor stadiums will be opening to full capacity.
The hardest-hit area of course was the tri-state area of New York City, New Jersey & Connecticut with many people infected or died from this terrible pandemic. On Saturday, May 29th Red Bull Arena will be allowed to have a full capacity crowd when they host Orlando City in an early afternoon affair. New Jersey State Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement back on Monday, May 24th.
While this is a wonderful moment to see and state governments are now starting to ease or fully open as this pandemic looks to be winding down, there might be some hesitation by people to not remove their masks when they visit a sporting event either outdoors or indoors. But if there is a moment I can give advice to you, let me say that you should go at your own comfort level.
If you feel that this entire situation is over, then don’t wear a mask, if you believe there is still a danger, then please continue to wear a mask. If you feel you would rather stay home than just do so. No one should force you to do something if you don’t want to. But I have to say that it feels good to hear the numbers are going down with the infections of this pandemic, but be aware and remain strong if there is a hint of catching this again if it hasn’t restarted already.
On a personal level, I am happy that we will see a form of going back to normal and not having to wear a mask anymore. Not only has it ruined my nose with so much acne growing on it, but just to not look like a sci-fi horror movie in real life. I hope that this situation never happens again and we can move on from this terrible time in our country’s history as well as the world’s history.