Inter Miami home opener still on.

Saturday’s home opener will be played despite coronavirus concerns

FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF’s home opener against L.A. Galaxy is still scheduled for Saturday at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, despite concerns about the coronavirus.

Amid Broward County declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday after a fourth county resident tested positive for novel coronavirus, County Administrator Bertha Henry said the county would “consider” canceling or limiting big events to the public in the county.

Santa Clara County in California placed a ban on gatherings of 1,000 or more people that will go into effect on Wednesday after the county’s first coronavirus-related death Monday. Although Broward County hasn’t issued a similar ban, the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival in Hollywood was canceled Tuesday.

Inter Miami’s home opener is sold out and their stadium has a capacity of 18,000. Henry said what would trigger a possible change to Saturday’s game is “when normal people are getting it” and when the coronavirus cases are no longer travel-related. Three positive tests in Broward are linked to one company that works with cruise passengers at Port Everglades.

Inter Miami’s vice president of communications Jacklyne Ramos told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that there haven’t discussions about postponing or canceling Saturday’s game between the club and the county as of Tuesday, and that team officials have been in daily communication with county officials and the Florida Health State Department.

“As of right now, all things are pointing

toward game on Saturday,” Ramos said. “If anything changes, it’ll come down from the Broward County officials.

“This is a situation that’s kind of changing daily. All things are game on with obviously extra precaution.”

Major League Soccer and Inter Miami have both taken precautions with the coronavirus concerns. MLS, along with the NBA, the NHL and MLB, announced in a joint statement on Monday that locker room access will be open to “only players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice,” with the temporary changes going into effect with Tuesday’s practices and games.

“Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting,” the statement said. “We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

Inter Miami canceled their autograph sessions for fans after Tuesday evening’s training session, which was held inside of Inter Miami CF Stadium and was open to season-ticket holders. It was the first time fans were able to The club plans to add additional hand sanitizer stations around its facilities.

“We need to help as much as possible to keep everybody safe,” Ramos said. “I think the biggest thing is to advise people that if you’re feeling sick, just don’t come.”

Inter Miami players are confident that the league will look out for their best interests, with their main focus being picking up their first win in MLS on Saturday.

“We’re calm and confident that the club and MLS will take care of us and support us,” defender Andres Reyes said. “As players, we’re focused to get the [three] points during the weekend.”

MIKE STOCKER PHOTOS/SUN SENTINEL Soccer fans enter the Inter Miami CF Stadium for the first time Tuesday. The club offered exclusive access for season ticket holders.

Fans get in the mood as the Inter Miami CF Stadium opens to the public Tuesday.

MIKE STOCKER PHOTOS/SUN SENTINEL Players practice Tuesday before season ticket holders at the Inter Miami CF Stadium.

Players react as their fans cheer them on as they get ready to begin practice.