Bull riding could be one of the first U.S. professional sports to welcome back fans amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic stopped sports around the globe, and while some leagues are attempting to bring back sports without fans, many are beginning to plan to welcome people back into the stands.
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) announced a new competition taking place on July 10-12 in South Dakota. The event is not just notable because it is one of the first events to be announced since the pandemic hit, but they also announced it will include fans.
There will, of course, be restrictions when fans are welcomed back to live events, but they will provide the first look at the "new normal" when it comes to attending in person.
Face coverings will be provided by organizers of the event and social distancing practices will be in place. Entering the event will look a lot calmer than sports fans are used to, with those coming in and out spaced out rather than gathered in a large clump.
When fans enter, seats will be up to six feet apart so that during the action they are social distancing as well.
The PBR website states:
"To help ensure a safe environment for fans purchasing tickets, event partners Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, the City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and PBR will institute a new series of safety protocols, including mobile ticketing, staggered POD seating, re-routed in-arena traffic flow, social distancing guidelines, enhanced disinfecting and cashless concessions options. The event will include activation of ASM Global's "Venue Shield"– an advanced environmental hygiene protocol ..."
To adhere to best health practices and the rules state governments and officials have put in place, there will be a limited crowd. The weekend's events will have a 35% crowd in the 12,000-seat Sanford Denny Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, meaning 4,200 people will be allowed through. They expect thousands to attend.
In order to be approved to hold fans and put on the event, PBR worked with Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota along with local officials.
Noem, who has not closed all non-essential businesses or issued a complete stay-at-home order like other states, was excited about the PBR weekend and said it's proof South Dakota is "working to get back to normal." She added, "Thanks to [PBR] and [ASM Global Live] for their careful planning. We'll continue working with them to ensure fans' health and safety."
South Dakota is working to get back to normal, and that includes the return of sports at the proper time.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) May 17, 2020
We’re excited to welcome @PBR to Sioux Falls for their championship weekend at the Denny Sanford PREMIER CENTER from July 10-12. (1/3)
Ian Fury, who is a spokesman for the governor, said the event came at a good time, as Noem expected the curve to flatten and the spread to be significantly dwindled by July.
He commented on the work those involved in the event are doing, saying the bull riders are "really going above and beyond" to reduce exposure and the spread of the virus.
PBR is holding other events in Las Vegas, Nevada leading up to the South Dakota weekend, but those events will be held without fans. A scaled-down crew and medical testing, as well as the other social distance procedures mentioned, will occur in Las Vegas as well.
