Some dub the coronavirus pandemic as a "cultural hibernation." As most leisure activities enjoyed publicly are put on hold, many people wonder how soon they'll be able to leave the house again safely. The sports industry, for instance, is feeling the brunt of canceled events. And for an industry that contributes over $71 billion to the economy each year, there is indeed a cause for alarm. Not only are we looking at massive unemployment, but the revenue streams generated by these events will dwindle and have a significant impact.
Changing the way we consume sports
For avid sports fans, nothing compares to the feeling of watching sporting events live. The experience of being inside a crowded stadium with thousands of other fans is something that shouldn't be missed. But now that most leagues are either canceled or postponed, is there another way for sports to come back during the pandemic?
Perhaps the most logical solution is to watch these events on television or via the internet. Take, for instance, Wimbledon, which was supposed to take place at the end of June. You can watch tennis everywhere if you have a VPN connection. A VPN gives anyone from blocked locations access to content online. Otherwise, a sports streaming service should work just fine.
But the problem here is that despite the thirst of fans to watch their favorite teams in action, there's the added challenge of ensuring the players, staff, and film crew's public health and safety. And professional athletes are always wary of the risks associated with possible exposure to the COVID-19 infection.
Stadiums without fans
Currently, it may seem like sports aren't about to come back anytime soon. Although experts are exploring the possibility of resuming games in empty stadiums, how will it impact the athletes' overall experience? After all, part of the adrenaline and drive to play well comes from knowing that the fans are cheering for your every move.