Sport travel guides and sports events news

SailGP: season two to now take place in 2021

5May

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Events, Sports Business

SailGP: season two to now take place in 2021

SailGP will remain suspended for the rest of this year and its second season has now been rescheduled for 2021. In a news release sailing’s global racing championship announced that two of the four impacted events have been allocated new dates for 2021. The event in San Francisco will be held on 17-18 April and New York will be on 4-5 June. Season two will be expanded from five events to a minimum of seven during the year-long period beginning in April 2021. Results from 2020 Sydney SailGP – the first and only completed event of the year – will be null and void. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “This terrible pandemic has led to the tragic and ongoing loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, and first and foremost, our though...

FA chief Greg Clarke: ‘hard to see crowds of fans returning to football matches any time soon’

4May

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Sports Business

FA chief Greg Clarke: ‘hard to see crowds of fans returning to football matches any time soon’

Greg Clarke, the chairman of the English Football Association (FA), admits that it’s “hard” to see crowds of fans returning to matches “any time soon”. The coronavirus pandemic has seen football suspended across the UK and Europe and it’s uncertain if the 2019-20 season will be now completed. Governing bodies and organisations, including the Premier League, are busy working on scenarios to try and finish the campaigns with possible options including matches behind closed doors and games played at neutral venues. However, in a letter to the FA Council Clarke explained that any potential restart for the Premier League and English Football League would need to be assessed by the government and health authorities. Clarke said: “It is no secret that domestically, a huge amount of work is...

Cycling: UEC reschedules European Road Championships for September 2021

3May

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Events, Sports Business

Cycling: UEC reschedules European Road Championships for September 2021

The 2020 European Road Championships in Trentino, Italy, has been postponed and the cycling event will now take place in September next year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) announced that the 2020 edition - which was due to be held from 9-13 September - will be delayed by 12 months and remain in Trentino. The exact dates for next year’s event will be confirmed by the UEC within the next few months and options include 1-5 September or 8-12 September. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media In a statement the UEC said: “This decision was taken in full agreement and co-operation with the parties concerned, namely the Union Européenne de Cyclisme, APT Trento, Monte Bondone, Valle dei Laghi and Trentino Marketing, the city of Tren...

1May

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Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Japan’s first esports hotel to open in Osaka in 2020

The city of Osaka will be the home of Japan’s first esports hotel when it opens this year. Featuring gaming facilities and 94 beds over nine floors, the “Esports Hotel E-Zone Cyberspace” will offer no-frills accommodation in order to prioritise on the in-game experience. In a news release the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said: “The first, second and third floors are dedicated to gaming, with over 70 top of the range gaming PCs. “The floors above meanwhile will house sleeping cabins, though the seventh floor will also feature some rooms with their own PCs for serious gamer ‘otaku’ - eat, sleep, game, repeat!” Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media About the hotel Name of hotel: Esports Hotel E-Zone Cyberspace Located: Nipponbashi, Osaka, Osak...

Study reveals impact of Covid-19 on the UK snow sports and ski industry

1May

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Sports Business

Study reveals impact of Covid-19 on the UK snow sports and ski industry

A survey of UK snow sports and ski industry professionals has revealed the damage that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on their businesses. Published by Ski Press and Skipedia, the research was conducted online from 24-29 April 2020 and sectors represented include tour operators, travel agencies, retail, brands, ski slopes and media. As well as the impact of the coronavirus measures, the study looked at what the future might hold for the winter sports industry during the next 12 months. Some of the key findings were: 82% of companies suffered reduced sales due to the premature end of the 2019-20 season, with two-thirds experiencing lower than usual sales for winter 2020-21 so far Almost one in five have made staff redundant and a quarter are concerned they could go out of business...

The Hundred postponed: 2021 launch will be ‘critical’ for future of English cricket

1May

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Events, Sports Business

The Hundred postponed: 2021 launch will be ‘critical’ for future of English cricket

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO Tom Harrison admits the decision to postpone the launch of The Hundred is a disappointing one, but the event in 2021 will play a “critical” role in the sport’s revival and long-term future. The ECB’s new 100-ball tournament was due to start this summer. However, like many sporting events in the UK, it has been called off due to Covid-19. The Hundred’s inaugural season will now happen in 2021. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media In a statement ECB chief Harrison said: “The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of The Hundred will not be possible this summer. “Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this year, The Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are s...

‘Stay at Home Slam’: virtual tennis with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and… Super Mario

1May

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Events, Sports Business

‘Stay at Home Slam’: virtual tennis with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and… Super Mario

There’s no majors on the schedule until the US Open in August due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but tennis fans can enjoy a grand slam with a difference this weekend. On Sunday 3 May eight of IMG’s top tennis clients - including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Kei Nishikori and Maria Sharapova - will participate alongside other celebrities in a live virtual tennis tournament titled the “Stay at Home Slam”. Played on Mario Tennis Aces for Nintendo Switch, the Stay at Home Slam will see stars compete from their homes and each will receive $25,000 donated to the charity of their choice. The winner of the tournament will also receive an additional $1m in donation. As well as the all-star line-up on the virtual court, legendary tennis player John McEnroe and popular YouTube personality iJustine (...

Scottish Highlands up first on Rally the Globe’s updated events calendar

1May

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Events, Sports Business

Scottish Highlands up first on Rally the Globe’s updated events calendar

Rally the Globe, a not-for-profit members’ club for owners of pre-1976 vintage and classic cars, has announced a revised events calendar for 2020, 2021 and 2022. With the coronavirus causing major travel restrictions, many of the club’s events – including the Round the World circumnavigation – have had to be cancelled. Anticipating the likelihood of international travel regulations being gradually relaxed, the amended calendar commences this autumn with the first of two events set entirely in the UK. First up on the revised schedule – government advice permitting – is the spectacular Highland Thistle Rally in the Scottish Highlands from 4-9 October. The rally will begin and finish at a five-star hotel in St Andrews and the five-day route is open to all pre-1977 models. The second UK-b...

1May

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Sports Business

Sports events news – 1 May: Premier League ‘should be finished abroad’ says Gary Neville

Neville: complete EPL abroad Former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville suggests that the remaining Premier League fixtures should be played abroad in order to complete the 2019-20 season. Sky Sports pundit Neville said: “If the Premier League are really serious about delivering the matches that remain in a safe environment they would move it to the two or three spots that are within three or four hours of this country that are coronavirus free. “They would take the Premier League players, broadcasters and media over, quarantine for a week or two and then deliver it in an environment that has proven it can handle this virus. There are a couple of hotspots in Europe that haven’t got coronavirus which could handle the Premier League finishing.” Newsletter: sign up for updates...

30Apr

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Sports Business

Sports events news 30 April: NBA, The Hundred, Stay at Home Slam

NBA at Walt Disney World Resort? The 2020 NBA season could potentially be completed with the remaining matches being played at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando - if and when coronavirus restrictions are lifted in the United States. The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania reports that a number of “different scenarios” have been drawn up by the NBA, which has been suspended indefinitely since 11 March. Charania tweeted: “One possible playing ground for NBA if finishing season becomes safe for league and players: Walt Disney World Resort property in Orlando, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. League has kept different scenarios in mind.” Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media The Hundred postponed to 2021 After days of speculation the England and Wales Cr...

Women’s golf: LPGA Tour targets 2020 season restart in mid-July

29Apr

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Events, Sports Business

Women’s golf: LPGA Tour targets 2020 season restart in mid-July

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has published a revised event calendar for 2020 with a target of restarting the season in mid-July. Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Michigan will be the first event on the revised 2020 LPGA Tour calendar followed by the Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio and ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey. The Women’s PGA Championship major, which was meant to be held in June, has now been rescheduled for 8-11 October. In a statement LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said: “One thing that has become clear is that there will be no ‘opening bell’ regarding a return to safe play in this new normal of the Covid-19 pandemic. “To be honest, being ‘first’ has never been the goal when it comes to returning to play in this new normal. We have built a schedule th...

29Apr

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Sports Business

Sports events news 29 April: MotoGP, Tour de Yorkshire, Tokyo Olympic Games

MotoGP cancels three races but aims for July start MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports has announced that the German, Dutch and Finnish grands prix have been cancelled. The German GP was due to take place from 19-21 June while the Dutch GP and Finnish GP were scheduled for 26-28 June and 10-12 July respectively. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of these three important grands prix on the MotoGP calendar. “The German GP is raced on a truly unique track with an incredible history, and the KymiRing is an exciting new venue set to welcome Grand Prix motorcycle racing back to Finland for the first time since 1982. “The iconic TT Circuit Assen had the unique honour of being the only venue to have held a roun...

Cleveland aims to make the 2021 NFL Draft the ‘best event yet’

28Apr

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Events, Sports Business

Cleveland aims to make the 2021 NFL Draft the ‘best event yet’

The spotlight will be on downtown Cleveland in 2021 when the home city of the Browns hosts the 86th NFL Draft. It was announced this week by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns that the 2021 NFL Draft will be held from 29 April to 1 May at locations around FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. David Gilbert, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, revealed that the Ohio city is busy preparing for next year's huge American football festival. Gilbert said: “We’re excited for Cleveland to ‘Rock The Clock’ as the host of next year’s NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience – assuming large gatherings can take place without compromising the well-being of participants. “We, along w...

British Touring Car Championship: revised 2020 provisional calendar announced

28Apr

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Destination Guides, Events, Sports Business

British Touring Car Championship: revised 2020 provisional calendar announced

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTTC) series organisers TOCA has published a revised provisional calendar for 2020. This year’s championship will feature nine events and a total of 27 races. The 2020 season is now scheduled to start on 1-2 August at Donington Park and will conclude at Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on 14-15 November. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Alan Gow, BTCC chief executive, said: “These are incredibly challenging times for the whole nation. Through it all, we have seen the importance of being both adaptable and pragmatic… and the BTCC is no different. So it’s entirely logical to draft plans and lock-in our provisional dates, with the ability to amend those if circumstances dictate. “Obviously this calendar presents a hectic...

28Apr

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Events, Sports Business

Sports events news 28 April: Ligue 1, Tokyo Olympics, Tour de France

Ligue 1 season is over French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced that sport in the country will not resume until September, including behind closed doors. France has banned sporting events gathering more than 5,000 people until September and this means the end of the 2019-20 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 football seasons. Phillipe said: “The big sporting affairs cannot occur before September. The 2019-2020 season of professional sports, including football, will not be able to resume. “It will be possible, on sunny days, to practice an individual sporting activity outdoors, obviously respecting the rules of social distancing. It will not be possible, neither to practice sport in covered places, nor team or contact sports.” Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media T...

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

27Apr

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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...

27Apr

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Sports Business

Sports events news 27 April: Premier League, F1, UFC, BTTC

Premier League targets June return The 20 English Premier League clubs will hold a conference call this week to discuss plans to resume the 2019-20 season. According to The Times English football’s top-flight has devised “Project Restart”, with plans for the season to begin again on 8 June and matches to be played behind closed doors at “approved stadiums”. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media F1 2020 season to begin in Austria on 5 July Formula 1 has confirmed that the French Grand Prix has become the tenth race to be called off because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was also announced that the British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be held with no fans should the 19 July event go ahead. However, F1 CEO Chase Carey has revealed plans for the 2020 season to st...

2022 NFL Draft: Las Vegas confirmed as host city

26Apr

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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...

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

26Apr

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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...

#SportsBiz events news: SportsPro Live 2020, Football Innovation Forum, World Football Summit Asia

26Apr

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Sports Business

#SportsBiz events news: SportsPro Live 2020, Football Innovation Forum, World Football Summit Asia

SportsPro Live rescheduled SportsPro has announced that its flagship event, SportsPro Live, has been rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event will now take place at the Olympic Park in London from 17-18 September. In an statement SportsPro said: “We can’t wait to reconnect [in person!] with the entire sports business network, at our official venues across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.” 2020 sports business events: conferences, exhibitions, awards Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media FIF20 and WFS Asia cancelled World Football Summit (WFS) has suspended all on-site events until July meaning that the Football Innovation Forum (FIF20) and WFS Asia will not be going ahead. WFS said in a statement: “The coronavirus pandemic is posing an ...