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Covid-19 impact study: only 53% of sports events in 2020 will be held and industry to lose $61.6bn in revenue
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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#SportsBiz events news: SportsPro Live 2020, Football Innovation Forum, World Football Summit Asia
26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
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 ...
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PGA Tour adjusts 2020 schedule and plans to resume season on 11 June
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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Tour de France to start on 29 August as UCI revises 2020 road cycling calendar
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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F1 working on revised 2020 calendar as Canadian GP is ninth race to be called off
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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The Open cancelled: 2020 golf major calendar is revised
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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British Horseracing Authority: jump racing in the UK suspended until July 
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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Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 
1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 

The All England Club (AELTC) has confirmed that this year’s Wimbledon Championships are off.  London’s grand slam event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis and tennis fans will have to wait until the summer of 2021 to watch the world’s best players compete on the grass courts in SW19.  The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021. Official statements Ian Hewitt, AELTC chairman “This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen.  “It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of The Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of al...
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MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off
1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

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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‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics
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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Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July
30Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the all-British heavyweight boxing bout between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will now take place on Saturday 11 July at The O2 in London.  The original fight had been scheduled for April at The O2, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both undefeated fighters hail from the UK’s capital city and the "Seek and Destroy" event promises to be one of the biggest boxing bouts this year. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and AXS. “Dynamite” Dubois, 22, said: “This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world.  “I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s...
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European football season would ‘probably be lost’ if not restarted by end of June, says Uefa president Ceferin
29Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

European football season would ‘probably be lost’ if not restarted by end of June, says Uefa president Ceferin

Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, has revealed that a number of plans have been drawn up to try and complete the 2019-20 season.  However, should fixtures not be resumed by the end of June then the season will “probably be lost”. Football across Europe is currently suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and the May finals of Uefa’s two major men’s competitions - the Champions League and Europa League - have been postponed.  The Uefa European Championship - Euro 2020 - has also been delayed for a year and will now take place in the summer of 2021. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Ceferin said: “Nobody knows when the pandemic will end. We have a plan A, B or C: to restart in mid-May, in June or at the end of June. “If t...
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Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto: 2020 F1 season may be extended with races in January
29Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto: 2020 F1 season may be extended with races in January

Mattia Binotto, the team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, says the 2020 F1 season could be extended into next year with races taking place in January.  The opening eight grands prix of this year have been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand the next scheduled race on the 2020 championship calendar is the Canadian GP on 14 June in Montreal. However, Canada is also under threat of being postponed or cancelled. Last week Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey issued a statement saying “when the situation improves, we’ll be ready to race” and it’s hoped that the 2020 calendar could feature between 15 and 18 races. Carey said: “While at present no-one can be certain of exactly when the situation will improve, it will improve and when it does, we will be ready to go racing again. ...
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Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
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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Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

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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‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed
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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Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns
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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Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 
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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NFL London Games 2020: Jacksonville Jaguars to play two home matches at Wembley
15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

NFL London Games 2020: Jacksonville Jaguars to play two home matches at Wembley

NOTE: NFL will not be hosting any international games in London in 2020 American football team the Jacksonville Jaguars have confirmed that they will play two back-to-back home matches at Wembley Stadium in the NFL London Games 2020. The Jags, who have played every year at Wembley since 2013, become the first NFL team to play two regular-season home games outside of the United States.  Although the opponents are yet to be confirmed, NFL.com says the Jags will play two of the following teams at Wembley in 2020: the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions or Miami Dolphins. This year there will be four matches on the NFL London Games 2020 schedule. Wembley, the home of English football, will host the two Jags fixtures while the Tottenham Hots...
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Etihad Arena: naming rights deal signed for new venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

Etihad Arena: naming rights deal signed for new venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has secured the exclusive naming rights for a new 18,000-capacity venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.  Called the Etihad Arena, the multi-purpose indoor entertainment facility is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Miral and according to reports will open this year.    Operated by Flash Entertainment, the Etihad Arena has been designed to accommodate large-scale and private events, offering a capacity ranging from 200 to 18,000 people. Once open, the venue will host a variety of events including sporting competitions, corporate events, cultural performances and concerts.  The Etihad Arena will be a major addition to Yas Bay Waterfront, which will also include the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, a beach club as well as a pier that boasts 12 licensed cafes and restaurants, and 19...
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