(670 The Score) All professional sporting events in Chicago will have no spectators or be cancelled until May 1 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday evening.
Pritzker made the request to each team's owner, and they will comply, he said.
"All of the owners I spoke with told me they completely understood and were more than willing to comply with this guidance," Pritzker said. "I want to thank them for putting the health and safety of the residents of our state above all else. These are not easy decisions to make in business, but every single one of our team owners indicated to me that they care only about what's right for the fans and families of our state."
The NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have all suspended their seasons. The NBA is hoping to re-evaluate its situation after 30 days, according to reports. MLB has pushed back Opening Day by at least two weeks -- and likely longer.
The Cubs and White Sox had been set to open their regular seasons March 26, but that won't happen now.
Down at spring training in Arizona, the Cubs planned to clear everyone out of their facility Friday for a full one-day deep cleaning. They're awaiting more directives from MLB in the coming days before they make further decisions.
The Bulls returned from Orlando on Thursday. None of their players have displayed coronavirus symptoms at this time, the team said. The Bulls have shut down all basketball operations for the next few days and asked all players and team personnel to remain in the area.
The Bears have suspended business travel for team personnel and postponed visits for draft prospects at Halas Hall. The team has also closed its office locations and asked employees to work from home.
