In a Pandemic

In March 2020, the sports world came to an unprecedented standstill as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. This abrupt halt to sports was an example of the pandemic's far-reaching impact, as major professional leagues were temporarily halted, leaving sports enthusiasts and athletes alike in a state of uncertainty. The collective shutdown served as a reminder of the power of sports to unite, entertain, and inspire.

A truncated 60-game MLB season started in July 2020 marked the return of professional sports. While plays looked the same, the absence of in-person fans and social distancing created a surreal atmosphere.

In the subsequent months, other leagues followed a similar course of action. Teams and leagues implemented extensive health and safety protocols to protect players, staff and media.

A few months into the pandemic, George Floyd was murdered. In response, the sports world – both nationally and within Minneapolis, where the murder took place – reacted with solidarity and activism. Athletes, teams, and sports organizations across various leagues collectively expressed outrage by kneeling during national anthems, making symbolic gestures, and displaying messages of support like "Black Lives Matter." The sports world's response was a notable part of the broader movement for social justice, underlining the role of athletes and sports in advocating for positive change.

On April 13, 2020, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves faced an unimaginable loss when his mother, Jacqueline Towns, succumbed to complications from COVID-19 — the ensuing 2020-21 NBA season marked a poignant chapter in his life, with Towns finding solace and strength in the unwavering support of his teammates, coaches, and even opponents. The basketball community rallied around him. As a tribute to his late mother, Towns wore a locket during warmups. The Timberwolves, too, honored Jackie Towns with a moment of silence before the first home game of the season, underscoring the profound impact of loss and resilience within the sports family.

The traditional atmosphere of packed arenas and the deafening roar of the crowd was replaced by eerie silence or, in some cases, creative substitutes like piped-in crowd noise, cardboard cutouts and virtual fans on giant screens. Some fans managed to find a way to watch the games from neighboring structures. The absence of in-person fans was a reminder of the pandemic's impact on the sports industry, but it also highlighted the collective responsibility to prioritize public health. However, as the year progressed, leagues and teams gradually allowed limited fan attendance under strict safety protocols, offering a glimmer of hope for the return to more familiar sporting experiences.