There are plenty of things society has been grappling with as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, but something many can all agree is hoping for live sports’ return.
With different media outlets sending out mixed messages about when it will be safe for people to return to work, much less attend a baseball game with thousands of fans, it is hard to predict when we will be able to enjoy a hot dog and a cold one at Wrigley again.
The Harris Poll is a marketing research and survey firm based in the US and has been conducting surveys across the country asking questions to Americans about the pandemic. In the survey data released this week, there was a question included about when people thought live sports should resume.
34% of Americans surveyed say leagues should cancel the remainder of the 2020 season and wait for next season to resume.
If the seasons were to resume, 21% say they would support games held without fans and 20% would want the season to resume without fans and then phase fans in later. 15% say sports should remain postponed until fans are allowed to attend.
But if sports allowed fans, would fans even feel safe going? According to the poll, only 6% of fans say they would attend games as soon as they are able.
45% of Americans surveyed say they miss watching live sports on TV and 49% miss going to see games live.
News
NBC Sports Chicago has been replaying classic White Sox and Blackhawks games since live sports have been postponed. This has become a common strategy, with the Harris Poll reporting that these historic broadcasts are reaching record numbers of views during the pandemic.