Even as Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Thursday that the state will begin taking the first steps toward reopening on May 15, she also made clear that sporting events with large crowds will not be returning in Oregon in the near future.
With the threat of the coronavirus still looming, Brown said large gatherings of people for events such as sporting events, concerts and festivals cannot go on in Oregon until effective prevention and treatment for the coronavirus, such as a vaccine, is available.
Brown said such large gatherings planned through the end of September should be canceled or modified.
MORE ON OREGON REOPENING:
Oregon reopening starts May 15 under governor’s coronavirus plan
Guidance on: retail | restaurants and bars | salons and personal services | outdoor recreation | large gatherings, including concerts and festivals
Asked whether high school and college football teams could compete without fans this upcoming season, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and epidemiologist, said officials are continuing to look at the kinds of sporting events that can be played.
“Non-contact sports, things like golf or tennis, where people can maintain a distance are probably some of the things we’re going to see coming back first,” Sidelinger said. "For some of these other sports, basketball, football, and other things where there is more close contact, obviously there is more risk.
“So I think as we approach football season, we can see how the disease is behaving in our community, what kind of steps could be taken around the team themselves and the coaches and others around the team to see if they can safely start. But as you heard from the governor’s remarks, large gatherings will likely not be happening through the end of September. So if or when those activities resume, they would likely resume without the fans in the stands, but hopefully the fans watching them from a screen in the safety of their own home.”
The Oregon Ducks have three home football games at Autzen Stadium scheduled for September, including a huge Sept. 12 matchup against powerhouse Ohio State.
“We will continue to work with state and local officials, public health experts, and campus leadership in navigating all of the unprecedented issues surrounding COVID-19 and when our student-athletes will be able to return to competition," Oregon Athletics said in a statement Thursday. "The health and safety of our student-athletes and community will continue to be our top priority.”
The Oregon State Beavers are scheduled to open their season Sept. 3 at Oklahoma State, followed by consecutive home games at Reser Stadium against Colorado State, Portland State and Washington State. In addition to the Vikings’ road game at Oregon State, Portland State has September games at Arizona and at home against Montana State on Sept. 26.
Sports leagues across the country are looking at ways to resume play amid the coronavirus pandemic, but most sports remain suspended for now. The NBA’s 2019-20 season has been suspended since March 11, but some teams are expected to begin allowing voluntary, individual workouts on Friday. Major League Soccer began allowing similar workouts this week, with the Portland Timbers starting them up on Thursday.
UFC is resuming fights this weekend without spectators, and NASCAR will begin racing without fans on May 17.