Wednesday, July 22, 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

    Feb 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) is congratulated by Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) after the Heat defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-110 at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
    by

    Chris Bosh Makes Case for LeBron James Heat Return
    James and Bosh played together in Miami from 2010-14.
    by

    Trail Blazers Slash Broadcast Team As Dundon Keeps Cutting Costs
    The majority of Portland’s broadcast team has been laid off.
    kyle rudolph
    by

    Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL
    Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”
    Feb 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; NBC Peacock play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle during an NBA All Star Rising Stars game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
    Exclusive
    by

    Noah Eagle Expected to Call Netflix NFL Australia Game
    The Sept. 10 matchup will feature the Rams and 49ers.
    podcast thumbnail
    podcast thumbnail mobile
    Front Office Sports Today

    7/22/26 – World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

    0:00

    Featured Today

    Tom's Watch Bar
    by

    Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer
    The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
    Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
    July 16, 2026

    Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats
    The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
    July 10, 2026

    What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown
    The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
    July 10, 2026

    Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports
    Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
    Pillow Fight Championship
    July 8, 2026

    How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals
    For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

    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

    Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation
    EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
    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.