It is time to host the Covid Games of 2020
We all want the thrill back of the last minute three pointer, the home run in the bottom of the ninth, or the winning goal from a corner. However covid-19 decided otherwise and halted all sports events. The Bergamo-Valencia game was considered what of the super-spreader events early in the pandemic in Italy.
The question is how can we bring back these mass sporting events in a safe way. The German Bundesliga figured out a system early on, with lots of testing and disinfecting. Teams remain in isolation in hotels, and play game day in an empty stadium with artificial stadium noise. There is no hugging when scoring, only a fist or elbow bump. Such system is only possible when the country is doing well: the curve is bent, plenty of covid tests are available, and a general respect of following the covid rules.
Not every country is in the same situation as Germany. The United States is far from stabilizing the impact from Covid-19. After the initial leveling off of positive Covid-19 cases and deaths, we are now experiencing the wrath of the virus.
As Feynman used to say, “For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled.”
The same is true in the US. You can not spin the science, or the Covid-19 data. The virus will not just go away. The spread and impact of the virus is real. Hospital beds are filling up. People suffer and die. For nature cannot be fooled.
Amid this reality, there is hope for experiencing sports in the US: Covid games, brought to you by Disney and ESPN.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando
The solution is simple:
- Find an set of isolated resort hotels: Disney World, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Hawaii, Galveston Island. The key is to be able to assign a hotel per team, and isolate the team from family and fans. These players are making millions. They can live and play in isolation for a month or two, don’t you think. “For the love of the game”.
- Set up the CDC Arena where all the teams will be playing. Without fans, home advantage doesn’t really exist. Teams save money and energy traveling.
- Create an accelerated calendar. Without the need to travel across the country, without fans having to go to the stadium, you can organize a many games a week. The covid-calendar has games Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Strict medical protocols, with lots of testing, and disinfecting.
Last night, I watched the San Jose Earthquakes win against Real Salt Lake, playing in Orlando. The NBA started already a mini-league in Disney World. It is odd that Major League Baseball, who invented the resort league with Spring Baseball in Arizona, didn’t move to this system. I don’t know what the plans from the NFL or NHL will be.
The near term future of the major sports leagues in the US, is one where teams will live in isolation, and play in the same Covid-free stadium, away from their fans.