COVID-19 hitting home with San Diego sports closures

The San Diego Padres are the only major sports franchise in the city, but several other organizations are deeply affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

For the next several weeks, professional and collegiate sports in the San Diego area are shut down.

For many, this is a sad time. Athletics and rooting for your favorite team provide an outlet for people in a complicated life. The wellbeing of all takes precedence, though, especially in this time of need. Hopefully, in time, this pandemic will be nothing but a footnote in a successful 2020 season as far as athletics are concerned.

The following professional teams in the San Diego area have been affected.

It is important to note that the information in this post is regularly being changed. Updates are made daily and even hourly regarding this global pandemic.

San Diego Padres

In late March, the San Diego Padres were scheduled to open their season at home in a seven-game series against the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. That is not going to happen at this point. There is a possibility that MLB gets creative when beginning season play in a couple of weeks. Teams could start in spring training facilities without fans as the 2020 season starts in the middle of April (hopefully). Anything can happen, but as of now- the Padres will not open the season at Petco Park in late March.

Even more drastic is the fact that the start of the minor league season will be delayed as well. Minor league players barely began to report to camp this week, and their season will inevitably be shortened this coming year. For many young players, this is an unusual circumstance and could be crippling on a particular player’s development. The Padres will be working hard to keep all their players focused and in peak athletic shape.

“We will continue to consult with MLB and local and national health and governmental authorities to determine the best course of action moving forward to provide a safe facility upon the resumption of games and events at Petco Park. We will also provide updated information on plans for our regular-season games at Petco Park and any related refund or exchange policies as soon as those are determined. We appreciate your patience and understanding through this unprecedented time.”- San Diego Padres

“As an affiliate of a Major League Baseball Club, this decision will impact the start of the Amarillo Sod Poodles’ 2020 season. The safety of our fans, players, and employees is of the utmost importance to the Sod Poodles, and we fully support Major League Baseball’s and Minor League Baseball’s decisions. We will be closely monitoring any new guidance from Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, and City of Amarillo Health officials.  As we receive more information regarding suspended play and how that fully impacts the 2020 season in Amarillo, we will make those details available.”- Amarillo Sod Poodles

SD Loyal FC

The SD Loyal just earned their first win of the franchise’s career on Tuesday. The team is 1-0-1 in their young existence, but now the soccer club will be on a hiatus for the next 30 days at the very least. There are plans to reschedule their games and complete the USL season., but we do not know yet.

“SD Loyal postpones all match play for a minimum of 30 days following USL Championship Decision to Suspend the 2020 Season; includes Xolos de Tijuana friendly match on March 28. Club hopes to reschedule this and other matches.” SD Loyal SC

San Diego Sockers

The Sockers are in second place in the Western Division with a 15-6 record. It looks as though their bid for a MASL championship is over as the playoffs are likely to be canceled. For a smaller sports franchise like the Sockers, this is a tragic ending to their season.

“The MASL has decided to end its 2019-20 regular season effective immediately. The league’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to act in the best interest of the players, staff, and fans for the league.” San Diego Sockers

1904 FC

The 1904 FC started playing games in late February, but the NISA suspended play for the next 30 days. They are 0-0-2 on the year and currently in fifth-place. The 1904 FC is in their second season in the league, and the team plays their home games at Lincoln High School. The league hopes to regain play at some point.

“NISA will use this time to monitor this situation in consultation with medical experts and in consideration of the guidelines being put forth by local governments, public health officials, and the CDC to determine the next steps for moving forward with safe protocol.” 1904 FC

San Diego Strike Force

The Strike Force won their opening game last week against Bismark by the score of 50-36. The Burt Grossman led team was to open their season on March 14, but that is all on hold now. The inaugural season for this indoor football league team is off to an unusual start. There is the thought that the league will continue to play in April and possibly makeup games.

“We have been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak through updates from the CDC and WHO, and state and local health agencies. In compliance with state-mandated restrictions on public events and out of an abundance of concern for our players, coaches, staff, fans, and the community, we regret that our home opener will be postponed.” San Diego Strike Force

San Diego Seals

The Seals are in third place in the Western Divison of the NLL. With a record of 6-6 on the season, the team was looking to make a playoff run. The league is on hiatus for now, with no immediate plans on playoffs.

“The NLL has suspended gameplay until further notice for the safety and best interest of the fans, players, coaches, and staff.” San Diego Seals

San Diego Legion

The Legion is in first place with a 5-0 record on the year in the MLR. The professional rugby team is off to a great start, but their league play is in jeopardy for the rest of the 2020 season.

“San Diego Legion has been closely monitoring the situation relating to the COVID-19 virus. The health of our players, staff, and fans is our utmost priority. As a result of the COVID-19 virus, Major League Rugby has decided to suspend the 2020 regular season for 30 days.” San Diego Legion

NCAA Tournament canceled 

The 30-2 SDSU men’s basketball team will not get a chance to play for a national title. The NCAA eliminated the March Madness tournament and canceled all events. This is very unfortunate for the No. 6 ranked Aztecs, who were robbed of an opportunity to play on a national stage.

“Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.” NCAA president Mark Emmert

MWC sports suspended 

In conjunction with the Mountain West Conference Board of Directors, due to the COVID-19 virus, San Diego State, along with the Mountain West, has immediately suspended game competition for its spring sports. For San Diego State, this is applicable for all spring sports. For some senior athletes, this tragically ends their collegiate careers. This is very unfortunate for dozens and dozens of players at SDSU throughout their athletic department.

“Given the fluid situation, San Diego State will suspend all team activities, including practices, this weekend. SDSU officials will continue to monitor the situation to determine the next steps.” San Diego State Athletics

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.