Friday, May 29, 2026
    More

    Fanless Derby

    By
    Aug 23, 2020 | 09:22 pm
    UPDATED Aug 24, 2020 | 12:09 am
    Churchill Downs
    Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal via Imagn

    Less than two weeks after announcing intentions to have fans at the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby during Labor Day weekend, race organizers decided against allowing spectators. 

    A 14% capacity crowd — approximately 23,000 fans — were expected on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. Organizers cited the health and safety of the venue’s employees, fans and participants as the reason they changed their mind. 

    Attendance Updates: 

    — With the NFL weeks away from kick off, more than a third of teams have announced they will start the season without fans; five teams plan on some crowds. 

    — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the 2020-21 season start might be pushed beyond the planned Dec. 1 date to potentially accommodate fans.

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Sign up for
    The Memo Newsletter

    Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    Mar 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Tristan Thompson (13) responds to a fan during the fourth quarter Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
    by

    Tristan Thompson Sues After Crypto Company Ends His Deal Early
    Thompson says the company promised him $2 million worth of tokens.
    Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
    by

    Feds Say Terry Rozier Took $70K Bribe in Sports Betting Case
    Rozier’s attorney says it’s “all just a misplaced effort to make something stick.”
    May 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Rehearsal before the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery at Navy Pier. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
    by

    NBA Approves New ‘3-2-1’ Draft Lottery System
    The new system will go into effect for the 2027 draft.
    December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates a first down against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
    by

    George Kittle Shares 2 Changes NFL Should Make for 18th Game
    Kittle believes an 18th game should come with new benefits for players.

    Featured Today

    May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
    by

    ‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB
    The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
    Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field
    May 28, 2026

    Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever
    Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
    May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
    May 26, 2026

    Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?
    The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
    May 22, 2026

    Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day
    Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.

    More in Uncategorized
    St. John's Zuby Ejiofor
    by

    Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools
    Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
    NBA Cup
    November 26, 2025

    Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed
    Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
    February 11, 2026

    Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State
    Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
    Sponsored

    The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend
    Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
    Fernando Tatis
    October 6, 2025

    Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions
    Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
    September 3, 2025

    Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever
    Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
    Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
    August 19, 2025

    Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences
    Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
    August 11, 2025

    NBA Christmas Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg
    The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.