Top Menu

American Association delays, scales back 2020 season

CHS Field 2019

In the face of shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic, the independent American Association is delaying the start of the 2020 season to July and anticipating a scaled-down slate of 80 games.

With all of affiliated ball on hold as well as leading summer-collegiate leagues, no surprise the American Association made this announcement:

The American Association will aim for a potential start date of the season in early July. The league intends a season that would include 80 games and extend to late September. The early July timeline, along with the length of the season, is tentative and dependent on the ability to hold games in home markets while abiding by federal, state, provincial governments laws and municipal health orders and guidelines.

“The American Association looks forward to the day when we can safely re-open our stadiums to our fans and provide entertainment and social interaction. However, we will not jeopardize the safety of our fans, staff, players, umpires or vendors and will abide by all national and local restrictions when determining if we can open in early July,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub.

With hourly news about the spread of the coronavirus impacting the sports-business and facilities industries, it’s more important than ever to stay up with the latest news in the venues industry. That’s why we’re launching a new Venues Digest newsletter focusing on coronavirus information across the ballparks, arenas, stadiums, theater and performing-arts worlds. For now it will appear daily, and for now it will be free of charge to industry professionals. Sign up here.

RELATED STORIES: 2019 Homer Hankies repurposed as cotton face masksGov: MLB could begin season in Arizona–when time is right; Arizona, Florida, Japan? 2020 MLB season scenarios aboundFans prioritize safety when considering return to baseball: study; MLB 2020 season blueprint evolves, with Florida now in mix; Trump: Pro sports could resume in August, September; With season delay, MLB teams feeling the pinch; When baseball returns, will fans return as well?; MiLB teams expand offerings, launch charitable efforts; MLB to pay MiLB player wages through MayNats/Astros spring camp closed, will be used for drive-up coronavirus testing; Layoffs, furloughs come for Memphis Redbirds; Fanatics shifts jersey production to personal protective equipmentMLB, MLBPA reach agreement on 2020 season detailsHappy Opening Day–at homeCould we see a second spring training this year?Doubleheaders May Be on the Docket at Start of MLB SeasonMLB to Pay MiLB Players Spring Training Per Diems; MLB, MLBPA Negotiating Service Time, DraftTruist Grant Extends Relief to MLB, MiLB Game-Day WorkersMiLB Teams Lose Non-Gameday Events Amidst Pandemic; Ballpark Parking Lots Could Help During Coronavirus Pandemic; MLB Teams Donate $30M Toward Game-Day Employees; Sandy Alderson: MLB Needs to Enter Total ShutdownIt’s Official: Don’t Look for MLB Until Memorial DayMLB Teams Order Non-Roster Players Home, Shut Down WorkoutsMore MLB Teams Announce Plans to Aid Game-Day EmployeesTelecommuting in Baseball’s Front Offices the New RealityMLB, MiLB Season Openers Could Be Delayed to MaySurprise! Spring Training’s Canceled. What’s Next?MLB Season Delayed For Two Weeks, MiLB Season Indefinitely

, , , ,