Friday, September 4, 2026
    More
    The FOS App is Live Download It Now

    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

    Jan 7, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; PAC 12 sports broadcaster Jacob Tobey prior to the game between the Oregon State Beavers against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
    by

    Jacob Tobey to Return As Spurs Announcer After Affair Allegation
    Tobey was originally let go from the role in July.
    Washington Redskins football shirts and a team flag on sale at a sporting goods store in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia, U.S., June 24, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
    by and

    Native Leaders to Commanders: Drop Old Name for Good
    The franchise says there are no plans to revert to its old name.
    Exclusive
    by

    NFL Players Quietly Dropped Push for Media Locker Room Ban
    Talks have been dormant after a 2024 effort.
    hanson_smiling
    First at FOS
    by

    Scott Hanson Promises Fewer RedZone Ads to Start 2026 Season
    Hanson emphasized such decisions are out of his hands.
    podcast thumbnail
    podcast thumbnail mobile
    Front Office Sports Today

    9/4/26 – Judge Clears Pros for College, Good Good CEO Out, Russini Plots Comeback

    0:00

    Featured Today
    by

    Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer
    Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
    September 3, 2026

    Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms
    It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
    September 1, 2026

    High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators
    Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
    Aug 3, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) kisses the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after her match against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
    August 30, 2026

    How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation
    A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
    August 26, 2026

    Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans
    Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”

    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

    Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball
    The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
    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.