Mid-March marked an unprecedented time in the history of sports. World-wide athletic competitions began to cancel. The sports world put a pause on activities given the social restrictions and the safety of both the fans, the staff, and the players. As restrictions begin to ease, the sports world is slowly returning. 

One of the first sports returning to the track are NASCAR races. They plan to return to Darlington Raceway in South Carolina on May 17th with an 11-day NASCAR series consisting of seven races between two tracks. This will be their first return to action since the pandemic.

Globally, the Korea Baseball Organization is the first major organization to return to action since the pandemic. Precautions include testing players and coaches for signs of fever before entering the stadium. Players are also not allowed to high-five each other, sign autographs, or chew tobacco. Masks and gloves are worn by all players, coaches, and umpires along with the cheerleaders. However, the stands were not empty as they were full of cardboard cutouts of fans.

Here is the United States, the MLB is planning to start the season in late June, no later than July 2nd. The games will be played in their own ballparks but with no fans. According to USA Today, one proposed plan for how games would be played is to have all the teams relocated to Florida and Arizona temporarily. The teams would then play within their divisions but not travel beyond their designated state. There would also not be any fans in the stands.

With the abrupt interuption to the NBA season and the cancellation of the NCAA March Madness tournament, fans are eager for the players to get back on the court. For the NBA, the current season is expected to return but there might be a delay to the 20-21 season. There is not an established date for when the NBA is to return.

Looking forward into the future of fall sports, the 2020 season for the NFL is still expected to kick off this season but there is speculation as to whether or not fans can watch the game from the stands. There has been talk of filling a third to half of the seats, and older fans may need to stay home regardless. 

For the NCAA, They are planning for what things are going to look like in the fall. The organization has put out a document that discusses rules and plans. Although most ideas are subject to change.  For Nebraska, summer activities will return on May 26th according to nsaahome.org.

As restrictions ease, some sporting events are subject to change as time goes on so be sure to follow CHS Anchor News on Twitter and Instagram along with checking out our Fusfoo page. I’m Libby Wurdeman. CHS Anchor News.