South Florida’s sports scene will look very quiet in the coming weeks after numerous cancellations and postponements over the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Inter Miami CF, which was scheduled to open their home schedule Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, will not be playing any games for the time being after Major League Soccer announced Thursday that they had suspended their season for all teams for 30 days in response to concerns.
“We've made a decision as a league this morning, as owners, that play will be suspended temporarily," owner Jorge Mas said.
The news comes one day after the NBA announced it was halting its season over concerns that were amplified with the news that two players for the Utah Jazz – Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell – have reportedly tested positive.
"The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic,” the league said in a statement.
Fans of the Miami Heat were notified of the news as the team was playing their game Wednesday night, which was a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
“This is a very serious time right now. I think the league moved appropriately…and we’re just going to have to monitor the situation and see how it goes,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game.]
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The National Hockey League announced they were "pausing" their season, so it was unknown when the Florida Panthers would next take the ice.
Major League Baseball officials said they were suspending the rest of their spring training schedule, and Opening Day for the Miami Marlins and the rest of MLB would delay their season openers for at least two weeks.
"This is an unprecedented time and this is certainly an unprecedented decision that was made in the best interest of players, fans and communities across the country," the Marlins said in a statement.
The Miami Dolphins said they have suspended all travel for coaches and scouts amid concerns over the virus.
NASCAR’s single race in South Florida, scheduled for March 22nd at Homestead Miami Speedway, will continue with no fans in the stands.
In college sports, almost every conference ended their men's basketball tournaments Thursday - in the ACC, the Florida State Seminoles were crowned tournament champions as the winners of the regular season.
The Miami Hurricanes also have not commented on their schedule for spring football practice or other sports, including baseball, currently underway.
Miami FC has delayed their home opener which was scheduled for Friday as well.
