“For the overall safety and well-being of our players, teams, and staffs and in alignment with California’s statewide ‘stay-at-home’ order, we are canceling this weekend’s scheduled Overwatch League competition,” said the esports league in a statement. “We will share more details on match rescheduling and look forward to returning to action soon.”
Coronavirus Update 3/20: Overwatch League Postpones Weekend Matches; Scripps National Spelling Bee, Aqueduct Racetrack Events Suspended
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In light of the CDC’s recent recommendations for curbing the spread of the coronavirus, pro sports leagues continue to postpone or cancel seasons and events. Last week, SVG began posting a regularly updated list of announcements from pro leagues regarding postponed, canceled, or altered events. Below are further announcements, made on Friday, March 20. Stay tuned to sportsvideo.org for more information on how the spread of the coronavirus is impacting the sports-production industry.
Overwatch League Postpones March 21-22 Matchups
A day before resuming play, the Overwatch League is postponing this weekend’s matches.
The esports league had previously decided to bring its matches online to curb any further scheduled delays from postponed matches in March and April.
Scripps National Spelling Bee Suspends 2020 National Finals in Maryland
An annual staple, the 93rd Scripps National Spelling Bee, will not be conducted in the National Harbor in Maryland during the week of May 24. The CDC’s announcement has encouraged the suspension of all in-person events, including the Spelling Bee, which is broadcast nationally on ESPN.
The Bee is more than willing to work with all parties to potentially reschedule the national event for a later date.
Aqueduct Racetrack Temporarily Closes Doors
Although multiple horse races and events are moving forward, New York’s Aqueduct Racetrack is not going ahead with planned races at this time. The announcement comes after Belmont Park, another track located in New York City, tested positive for the coronavirus.
“We are focused on ensuring the health and safety of our entire backstretch community, as well as the horses in their care,” said New York Racing Association CEO/President Dave O’Rourke in a statement. “Accordingly, we are immediately suspending racing operations until further notice to devote all our attention and resources to this effort.”
MLB Cancels Puerto Rico Series on April 28-30, Mexico City Trip on April 18-19
With the 2020 MLB regular season on pause until at least mid May, the league has decided to cancel the three-game series between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins in Puerto Rico. The trio of contests was scheduled for April 28, 29, 3o at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
In addition, the two-game getaway in Mexico City between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres will not happen. Those games were supposed to take place on April 18 and 19 at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium.
The league has not commented on the status of the MLB London Series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals scheduled for June 13-14.
