Events

27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Chase Carey is ‘confident’ the F1 2020 season will start in Austria on 5 July 

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has announced that the F1 2020 season is scheduled to start with the Austrian Grand Prix in July.  It has been confirmed the French GP will not go ahead - the tenth race to be cancelled or postponed - and plans are in place for the championship to begin in Austria from 3-5 July.  In a statement F1 boss Carey said: “Although it was announced that the French Grand Prix will not be going ahead, we are now increasingly confident with the progress of our plans to begin our season this summer.  “We’re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend.  “September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the G...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

2022 NFL Draft: Las Vegas confirmed as host city  

Las Vegas may have missed out on hosting the 2020 NFL Draft due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Nevada city has been awarded the event in 2022.  Confirming the news NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: “I’m pleased to announce that Las Vegas will host the 2022 NFL Draft, where we look forward to holding an even bigger and better event.” Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), added: “We’re thrilled the NFL has given us the opportunity to host the Draft in Las Vegas in 2022. We plan to make the 87th annual NFL Draft an ‘Only Vegas’ experience football fans will never forget.” Caesars Entertainment will host the NFL Draft Main Stage, which will be constructed next to the Caesars Forum Conference Centre. Caesars Forum will be th...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Covid-19 impact study: only 53% of sports events in 2020 will be held and industry to lose $61.6bn in revenue

A study by international sports marketing firm Two Circles has predicted that only 53% of sports events in 2020 will now take place due to Covid-19. With the coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation or postponement of many events Two Circles also estimates that the interruption to live sports will see revenues drop from $135.3bn to $73.7bn - a $61.6bn deficit. Commenting on the study Gareth Balch, Two Circles CEO, said: “Sports properties are keen to return as soon as possible as the longer the sports calendar is on hiatus, the worse the financial impact will be. “However, sports should – and will – only return when it is deemed safe to do so, and with the support of all relevant government and medical authorities. Even hosting sports without crowds poses a complex challenge. “Com...

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16Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

PGA Tour adjusts 2020 schedule and plans to resume season on 11 June

Golf’s PGA Tour is planning to resume the 2020 season on 11 June at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. The Charles Schwab Challenge will be the first tournament on the revised schedule and will be one of four events that will be played behind closed doors. The Tour will follow the recommendations of local and state authorities and continually review available Covid-19-related protocols. Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, said: “The health and safety of all associated with the PGA Tour and our global community continues to be our No.1 priority, and our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in the world’s return to enjoying the things we love.  “Today’s announcement is another positive step for our fans and players as we look toward the future, but as we’ve stressed on s...

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15Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Tour de France to start on 29 August as UCI revises 2020 road cycling calendar

Cycling’s global governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has announced a number of changes to the 2020 road events calendar because of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The UCI confirmed that the postponement of competitions on the UCI International Road Calendar is extended by one month until 1 July and events on the UCI WorldTour are suspended until 1 August.  The 2020 Tour de France, which was due to take place in June and July, has also been postponed and will now be held from 29 August to 20 September.  Meanwhile, the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Aigle-Martigny, Switzerland, stays on schedule for 20-27 September. Giro d’Italia will take place after the UCI Worlds and will be followed by the Vuelta Ciclista a España. UCI president David Lappartient said: “I would lik...

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7Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

F1 working on revised 2020 calendar as Canadian GP is ninth race to be called off

Formula 1 is working with race promoters on a revised calendar for the 2020 season following the postponement of the Canadian GP.    The race in Montreal, which was planned for 14 June, is the ninth grand prix to be postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus. It's planned that Canada will now take place later in the year and race organisers said: “This postponement was not a decision that was taken lightly or easily. “Over the past month, we have been in constant communication with Formula 1 and representatives from the city of Montréal, Tourism Montreal and both provincial and federal governments.  “We have heard the directives issued by public health officials and as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic are following the expert guidance provided by the authorities.  “Our tho...

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7Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

The Open cancelled: 2020 golf major calendar is revised

There will be no Open Championship in 2020 after the British golf major was cancelled due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.  The 149th Open was scheduled for 12-19 July, but The R&A has announced that it will now next take place at Royal St George’s from 11-18 July 2021. The 150th Open will be played at St Andrews from 10-17 July 2022. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We care deeply about this historic Championship and have made this decision with a heavy heart. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for a great many people around the world but this pandemic is severely affecting the UK and we have to act responsibly. It is the right thing to do.  “I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year but ...

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2Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

British Horseracing Authority: jump racing in the UK suspended until July 

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that jump racing in the United Kingdom is suspended until the beginning of July.  However, detailed proposals are being developed for a resumption of flat racing from 1 May, if possible, with meetings held behind closed doors. The BHA added: “Racing will begin on the flat and behind closed doors to minimise demands on emergency services.” Newsletter: sign up for a weekly update from Sports Tourism Media Richard Wayman, chief operating officer of the BHA, said in a statement: “The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport.  “We are working closely with the horsemen, racecourses and Levy Board to ensure the sport is ready...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events

MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off

The 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) London Series has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs were scheduled to go head-to-head at the London Stadium in June but the two matches are now off.  MLB has confirmed that ticket holders will receive a full refund.  A statement said: “As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2020 has been cancelled.  “The decision has been taken in line with the UK Government’s actions stopping public gatherings and the need to focus emergency services resources on combating the pandemic.  “While we understand that this news is disappointing, we are faced with an unprecedented situation worldwide and nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, e...

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30Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach believes the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will provide a light at the end of the “dark tunnel” that is the coronavirus. This summer’s mega-event was postponed for one year because of the pandemic and the new dates for 2021 have now been confirmed.  The summer Olympic Games will take place in Japan’s capital city from 23 July to 8 August and the Paralympic Games will be held from 24 August to 5 September.  IOC chief Bach said: “I want to thank the International Federations for their unanimous support and the Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees for the great partnership and their support in the consultation process over the last few days. I would also like to thank the IOC Athletes’ Commission, with whom we ...

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29Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup

Amid the cancellations and postponements of many major sporting events in 2020, there is some good news from the world of women’s basketball.  FIBA, the sport’s global governing body, has announced that Australia will host the Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022.  Basketball Australia and the Russian Basketball Federation were the two candidate countries vying to host the flagship tournament. Following a video conference it was confirmed that Australia will host the event for a second time. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held for ten days in September and October 2022. A total of 38 matches featuring 12 international teams will be played in two venues in Sydney’s Olympic Park. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What the officials said  Hamane Nian...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events

Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the dates for the 2020 Chestertons Polo in the Park have been amended. The London event will now take place at Hurlingham Park in Fulham from 4-6 September and tickets are on sale.  This year’s three-day spectacular will feature International Friday, Ladies Day and Finals Day. A firm fixture in the social calendar, the world-class polo event is not just about the sport, but also fashion, food, fun and family.  Here we look at the event details, travel information and the ticket and hospitality options. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Friday 4 September: International Friday An action-packed day to kick-start the tournament, including the Frasers Engl...

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18Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed

Ryder Cup 2020 organisers have denied speculation that the event is set to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. A number of media outlets reported on Wednesday 18 March that the team golf spectacle would be called off and rescheduled for 2021.  This year’s Ryder Cup competition between Team USA and Team Europe is set to take place from 22-27 September at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. And according to the Ryder Cup USA and Ryder Cup Europe Twitter accounts that plan remains in place.  The tweets said: “Reports that the 2020 @RyderCup is expected to be postponed are inaccurate.” ‘Wow, it really is made-up stuff’ In an interview with Irish radio station Today FM Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington also dismissed the reports.  Harrington said: “Septembe...

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18Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns

Following the postponements of the grands prix in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China, there’s major uncertainty over the Formula 1 2020 schedule.   F1 CEO Chase Carey has written an open letter to fans to provide some thoughts and perspectives in addressing the coronavirus pandemic.  Carey said: “First and foremost, our priority is the health and safety of the fans, teams, and organisations of Formula 1, as well as wider society. We apologise to those fans affected by the cancellation in Australia, as well as the postponement of the other races to date.  “These decisions are being made by Formula 1, the FIA, and our local promoters in rapidly changing and evolving circumstances, but we believe they are the right and necessary ones. We also want to extend our thoughts to those a...

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17Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 

Two of the biggest tournaments in international football, the European Championships (Euro 2020) and the Copa America, have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak and will now take place in the summer of 2021.    Both tournaments were scheduled for 12 June to 12 July 2020 but the pandemic has forced European football’s governing body Uefa and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) to take drastic action.  Euro 2020 will be held in 12 cities across the continent while the Copa America’s host countries are Argentina and Colombia.   Proposed dates for both tournaments are now 11 June to 11 July 2021. Statements from the organisers  Uefa “The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any...

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8Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Football, The Americas

2020: a huge year for football in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires

With Copa America fixtures at River Plate's stadium and two major milestones for Boca Juniors on the calendar, 2020 promises to be a huge year for football fans in Argentina’s capital city Buenos Aires. Argentina and Colombia co-host the 47th edition of the Copa America, the equivalent of Europe’s Uefa European Championship, and Buenos Aires will be the location for four matches.   On 12 June the iconic El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, home of River Plate, will host the opening match of the tournament between Argentina and Chile in group A. As well as the opening match, the 70,000-capacity El Monumental will also host Argentina’s group A fixtures against Paraguay and Australia and a quarter-final on 5 July.  Players such as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguer...

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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events

2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  

The sporting world will be watching Aintree as the famous Liverpool racecourse hosts the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival for three days in April.  Starting with Liverpool’s Day on Thursday 2 April, the opening day of the festival is described as “one of the region’s best kept secrets” and a popular choice for racing fans and couples alike.  Day two at Aintree, #FabulousFriday (3 April), is Ladies Day. As well as four Grade One races on the track, fashion and style is the order of the day off the track. The final day of the festival, Saturday 4 April, is the big one as the Grand National is held at 5.15pm (UK time). Millions around the world will be watching the £1m Grade 3 handicap steeplechase as the horses jump 30 fences around the 4-mile-2.5-furlong circuit.   Here we loo...

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1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events

March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more

A popular sporting event on the March 2020 calendar is horse racing's Cheltenham Festival. Taking place from 10-13 March, the festival is known as the "most prestigious jump racing event of the year" and includes races such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, World Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other major sporting events in March 2020 include the Six Nations rugby championship, the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, British Basketball League (BBL) Trophy Final in Glasgow, Six Day Manchester cycling and F1's first grand prix of the season in Australia. Here we look at what's on in March... 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for update...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Silverstone Classic 2020: ‘greatest hits’ race card to mark 30th anniversary

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, this summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature a spectacular “greatest hits” showcase of retro races.  Harking back to when Silverstone hosted the UK’s first-ever race meeting dedicated entirely to historic racing - a trend-setting milestone in motor sport history - no fewer than five of the grids for 2020 actually featured on the original 1990 race card.  Thirty years ago the two-day festival - staged, as today, two weeks after the Formula 1 British Grand Prix - presented a wide-ranging 12-race programme including showdowns for historic Grand Prix cars, 50s sports cars, historic Formula Junior, SuperSports as well as round 4 of the FIA European Challenge for Historical Touring Cars. Iconic races and cars on show This year’s Classic includes ...

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2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events

February 2020 sports events: F1 pre-season testing, Wilder vs. Fury II, Women’s T20 cricket

The sporting year ramps up in February with Six Nations rugby union, a world heavyweight boxing title contest and the ICC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup on the schedule.  It’s also a big month for motor sport. NASCAR’s Daytona 500 takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Florida while Formula 1 returns with two pre-season testing sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Here we look at the February 2020 sports events calendar. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details February 2020 sports events   2020 Ladbrokes Masters  What: PDC darts event featuring the world’s top 16 players  When: 31 January-2 February 2020 Where: Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes Tickets: See Tickets Australian Open 2020 What: first tennis gr...

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