When the Phoenix Suns travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers on March 30th, it could be in front of an empty arena.
With China and Italy already on extreme lock down due to the coronavirus, the first United States governor has recommended what many sports junkies have dreaded might come: games with no fans in the arena. Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has recommended all indoor sports activities, including high school, college, and professional teams, be played with no spectators. That would mean the Phoenix Suns could play the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 30th in an empty arena.
There has been no comment from the NBA or the Cleveland Cavaliers on how or if they will abide by the governor’s recommendation because as of now, that is all it is: a recommendation.
This is the part where snide Internet trolls jump in and say, “No one goes to Cavs games anyway! LOL!” Well, like most things in Internets trolls’ lives, they’re wrong.
The Cavs have the 17th best attendance in the league this year, better than the fighting Zions of New Orleans, the playoff-hungry Memphis Grizzlies, and the team with the league’s best record (unless Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t come back soon), the Milwaukee Bucks.
For what it’s worth, the Phoenix Suns rank 27th this year in attendance.
As of now, there is no time frame for how long this recommendation is to be in place, but Ohio State University has cancelled all face-to-face classes until at least March 30, the same day the Phoenix Suns are scheduled to play the Cavilers in Cleveland.
High school officials are already planning on games with only immediate family members and essential personnel in the stands.
This will also affect the NCAA tournament with the First Four scheduled to be played in Dayton as well as a block of first and second round games.
Playing a major sporting event with no spectators isn’t unprecedented. The Baltimore Orioles played the Chicago White Sox with no fans back in 2015 due to civil unrest following the death of Freddie Gray.
The NCAA Division III tournament has already been announced that it will play spectator-less, but they are the only group to commit to this as of yet.
Honestly, I just want to be able to buy toilet paper again.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.