CONTINUING COVERAGE

Students at pro-Palestinian encampment at Rutgers University begin to disperse from Voorhees Mall

Coronavirus impacting major sporting events around the country

The threat of coronavirus COVID-19 around the country is impacting some major sporting events.

News 12 Staff

Mar 11, 2020, 3:12 AM

Updated 1,513 days ago

Share:

The threat of coronavirus COVID-19 around the country is impacting some major sporting events.
Hockey fans at Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils game did show up to cheer on the team. But many said that being in large crowds and the fear of the virus was on their minds.
“I brought the wipes. I’m going to wipe down our seats and the area before we sit down, just to be careful,” says Geri Gulotta of Metuchen. “And we just washed our hands.”
Devils officials say that the organization is also disinfecting the arena. And they also advised several groups to stay home, including fans who are feeling sick or have any links to the virus or links to high-risk areas like China, Iran or Italy. People with breathing or heart problems were also asked to stay home.
Photos: The Impact of Coronavirus Around the World
undefined

Devils officials would not agree to be interviewed on camera for this story. They did not say if anyone would receive refunds if they were unable to attend the game.
But this is an issue sports leagues around the country are struggling with.
Princeton University was devastated to learn that the Ivy League Tournament would be canceled. This means that the school’s basketball team will not have a chance to make March Madness.
Head Coach Mitch Henderson said in a statement that the team’s three seniors “have been outstanding representatives of our program. I am heartbroken that they will not have another opportunity to compete on a national stage for our university.”
New Jersey native Bruce Aiken plays basketball for Harvard University. On Twitter, he called the decision to cancel the tournament “a horrible, horrible decision and total disregard for the players and teams.”
The NCAA Tournament is still on for now.
Reporters were not allowed near NBA star LeBron James on Tuesday. He attempted to lighten the mood during a press conference.
Will A Mask Really Protect You From Coronavirus? - Cheddar Explains
“I miss you guys being right here. Like, right here in my bubble,” James joked.
But James said that if he had to play in an empty arena if the virus got worse, then so be it.
The Devils have not yet said if they would consider holding games without spectators.
"I would be curious about how they're going to compensate us for the money we spent, for the games but I can understand the health causes of it. I don't wanna get sick, nor do I want other people to get sick,” says fan Andrew Gil.
Devils officials say that they will go along with the NHL and state government. But a spokesperson for the team says that things are changing quickly.


More from News 12
10:49
Students at pro-Palestinian encampment at Rutgers University begin to disperse

Students at pro-Palestinian encampment at Rutgers University begin to disperse

2:12
Mostly sunny Friday ahead with cooler temperatures; tracking weekend rain

Mostly sunny Friday ahead with cooler temperatures; tracking weekend rain

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail serves to MetLife Stadium concerns

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail serves to MetLife Stadium concerns

0:46
Car crashes into Hasbrouck Heights apartment building; residents evacuate

Car crashes into Hasbrouck Heights apartment building; residents evacuate

Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over Gaza

Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over Gaza

1:47
News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

2:13
Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

0:47
Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

2:22
I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

0:35
Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

0:24
Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

0:29
Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

0:20
Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

0:19
FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

0:24
Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

2:06
Nutley school uses virtual reality to help children with neurodiversity succeed in the real world

Nutley school uses virtual reality to help children with neurodiversity succeed in the real world

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:39
Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

0:30
Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

0:43
Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals