Charter flights ‘for foreseeable future’
As the United States fights the spread of the coronavirus, MLS released a statement Wednesday announcing it is taking extra precaution at its venues and mandating all teams travel by charter flights “for the foreseeable future.”
Prior to Wednesday’s announcement in response to the virus known as COVID-19, MLS required teams to used charter flights for eight legs of travel under a new collective bargaining agreement. Teams typically took commercial flights for all other road games.
Additionally, MLS has suspended youth soccer player escorts during the opening processions of games, a longtime league tradition. MLS has also postponed player appearances and autograph sessions. The league is limiting fan experiences during team warm-ups.
“Providing a safe and healthy environment for our fans, players and everyone at MLS matches is our top priority,” the league statement read. “During this rapidly changing issue, MLS remains in direct contact with the relevant governmental agencies including the CDC and PHAC, and is also coordinating with other sporting organizations regarding COVID-19.”
This announcement comes on the heels of MLS closing team locker rooms to all media.
Games postponed
Seattle Sounders FC have postponed their March 21 game against FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field to an unspecified later date.
The announcement came a day after Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the state was restrict gatherings of more than 250 people in Snohomish, Pierce and King counties, where CenturyLink Field is located.
“As the developments surrounding COVID-19 in our region evolve, Seattle Sounders FC has been working in real time with regional health authorities and government officials to do our part in combating this public health crisis,” the Sounders said in a statement. “Our organization must remain flexible in these efforts, and at this time, that includes heeding Governor Inslee’s call to postpone our home match on March 21 versus FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field.
“Throughout this process, Sounders FC has stated that nothing is more important than public safety and the well being of our fans. With that in mind, we respect the difficult decision that has been made today, and our club will continue following the guidelines set forth by our public health authorities and government agencies.”
The San Jose Earthquakes announced their match versus Sporting Kansas City at Earthquakes Stadium scheduled for March 21 has been postponed due to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Santa Clara County Public Health Department mandated all public gatherings of more than 1,000 people be canceled through the end of the month with the hope of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re very supportive of the mandate by the County’s Public Health Department,” Earthquakes chief operating officer Jared Shawlee said in a statement. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners, including the City of San Jose and the County of Santa Clara, for their assistance and we would also like to thank our fans, players and staff for their patience and understanding throughout this unprecedented time. We will continue to work with local agencies and league officials and provide updates as available.”
The new date for the Earthquakes’ game against Sporting KC has yet to be determined.