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Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 
Events, Sports Business

Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 

The All England Club (AELTC) has confirmed that this year’s Wimbledon Championships are off.  London’s grand slam event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis and tennis fans will have to wait until the summer of 2021 to watch the world’s best players compete on the grass courts in SW19.  The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021. Official statements Ian Hewitt, AELTC chairman “This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen.  “It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of The Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of al...
MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off
Events, Guides

MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off

The 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) London Series has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs were scheduled to go head-to-head at the London Stadium in June but the two matches are now off.  MLB has confirmed that ticket holders will receive a full refund.  A statement said: “As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2020 has been cancelled.  “The decision has been taken in line with the UK Government’s actions stopping public gatherings and the need to focus emergency services resources on combating the pandemic.  “While we understand that this news is disappointing, we are faced with an unprecedented situation worldwide and nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, e...
‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics
Events, Sports Business

‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach believes the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will provide a light at the end of the “dark tunnel” that is the coronavirus. This summer’s mega-event was postponed for one year because of the pandemic and the new dates for 2021 have now been confirmed.  The summer Olympic Games will take place in Japan’s capital city from 23 July to 8 August and the Paralympic Games will be held from 24 August to 5 September.  IOC chief Bach said: “I want to thank the International Federations for their unanimous support and the Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees for the great partnership and their support in the consultation process over the last few days. I would also like to thank the IOC Athletes’ Commission, with whom we ...
Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July
Events, Guides

Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the all-British heavyweight boxing bout between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will now take place on Saturday 11 July at The O2 in London.  The original fight had been scheduled for April at The O2, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both undefeated fighters hail from the UK’s capital city and the "Seek and Destroy" event promises to be one of the biggest boxing bouts this year. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and AXS. “Dynamite” Dubois, 22, said: “This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world.  “I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s...
European football season would ‘probably be lost’ if not restarted by end of June, says Uefa president Ceferin
Sports Business

European football season would ‘probably be lost’ if not restarted by end of June, says Uefa president Ceferin

Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, has revealed that a number of plans have been drawn up to try and complete the 2019-20 season.  However, should fixtures not be resumed by the end of June then the season will “probably be lost”. Football across Europe is currently suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and the May finals of Uefa’s two major men’s competitions - the Champions League and Europa League - have been postponed.  The Uefa European Championship - Euro 2020 - has also been delayed for a year and will now take place in the summer of 2021. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Ceferin said: “Nobody knows when the pandemic will end. We have a plan A, B or C: to restart in mid-May, in June or at the end of June. “If t...
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto: 2020 F1 season may be extended with races in January
Sports Business

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto: 2020 F1 season may be extended with races in January

Mattia Binotto, the team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, says the 2020 F1 season could be extended into next year with races taking place in January.  The opening eight grands prix of this year have been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand the next scheduled race on the 2020 championship calendar is the Canadian GP on 14 June in Montreal. However, Canada is also under threat of being postponed or cancelled. Last week Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey issued a statement saying “when the situation improves, we’ll be ready to race” and it’s hoped that the 2020 calendar could feature between 15 and 18 races. Carey said: “While at present no-one can be certain of exactly when the situation will improve, it will improve and when it does, we will be ready to go racing again. ...
Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Events, Sports Business

Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup

Amid the cancellations and postponements of many major sporting events in 2020, there is some good news from the world of women’s basketball.  FIBA, the sport’s global governing body, has announced that Australia will host the Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022.  Basketball Australia and the Russian Basketball Federation were the two candidate countries vying to host the flagship tournament. Following a video conference it was confirmed that Australia will host the event for a second time. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held for ten days in September and October 2022. A total of 38 matches featuring 12 international teams will be played in two venues in Sydney’s Olympic Park. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What the officials said  Hamane Nian...
Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels
Events, Guides

Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the dates for the 2020 Chestertons Polo in the Park have been amended. The London event will now take place at Hurlingham Park in Fulham from 4-6 September and tickets are on sale.  This year’s three-day spectacular will feature International Friday, Ladies Day and Finals Day. A firm fixture in the social calendar, the world-class polo event is not just about the sport, but also fashion, food, fun and family.  Here we look at the event details, travel information and the ticket and hospitality options. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Friday 4 September: International Friday An action-packed day to kick-start the tournament, including the Frasers Engl...
‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed
Events

‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed

Ryder Cup 2020 organisers have denied speculation that the event is set to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. A number of media outlets reported on Wednesday 18 March that the team golf spectacle would be called off and rescheduled for 2021.  This year’s Ryder Cup competition between Team USA and Team Europe is set to take place from 22-27 September at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. And according to the Ryder Cup USA and Ryder Cup Europe Twitter accounts that plan remains in place.  The tweets said: “Reports that the 2020 @RyderCup is expected to be postponed are inaccurate.” ‘Wow, it really is made-up stuff’ In an interview with Irish radio station Today FM Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington also dismissed the reports.  Harrington said: “Septembe...
Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns
Events

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns

Following the postponements of the grands prix in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China, there’s major uncertainty over the Formula 1 2020 schedule.   F1 CEO Chase Carey has written an open letter to fans to provide some thoughts and perspectives in addressing the coronavirus pandemic.  Carey said: “First and foremost, our priority is the health and safety of the fans, teams, and organisations of Formula 1, as well as wider society. We apologise to those fans affected by the cancellation in Australia, as well as the postponement of the other races to date.  “These decisions are being made by Formula 1, the FIA, and our local promoters in rapidly changing and evolving circumstances, but we believe they are the right and necessary ones. We also want to extend our thoughts to those a...
Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 
Events

Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 

Two of the biggest tournaments in international football, the European Championships (Euro 2020) and the Copa America, have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak and will now take place in the summer of 2021.    Both tournaments were scheduled for 12 June to 12 July 2020 but the pandemic has forced European football’s governing body Uefa and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) to take drastic action.  Euro 2020 will be held in 12 cities across the continent while the Copa America’s host countries are Argentina and Colombia.   Proposed dates for both tournaments are now 11 June to 11 July 2021. Statements from the organisers  Uefa “The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any...
NFL London Games 2020: Jacksonville Jaguars to play two home matches at Wembley
Sports Travel

NFL London Games 2020: Jacksonville Jaguars to play two home matches at Wembley

NOTE: NFL will not be hosting any international games in London in 2020 American football team the Jacksonville Jaguars have confirmed that they will play two back-to-back home matches at Wembley Stadium in the NFL London Games 2020. The Jags, who have played every year at Wembley since 2013, become the first NFL team to play two regular-season home games outside of the United States.  Although the opponents are yet to be confirmed, NFL.com says the Jags will play two of the following teams at Wembley in 2020: the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions or Miami Dolphins. This year there will be four matches on the NFL London Games 2020 schedule. Wembley, the home of English football, will host the two Jags fixtures while the Tottenham Hots...
Etihad Arena: naming rights deal signed for new venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Etihad Arena: naming rights deal signed for new venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has secured the exclusive naming rights for a new 18,000-capacity venue at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.  Called the Etihad Arena, the multi-purpose indoor entertainment facility is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Miral and according to reports will open this year.    Operated by Flash Entertainment, the Etihad Arena has been designed to accommodate large-scale and private events, offering a capacity ranging from 200 to 18,000 people. Once open, the venue will host a variety of events including sporting competitions, corporate events, cultural performances and concerts.  The Etihad Arena will be a major addition to Yas Bay Waterfront, which will also include the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, a beach club as well as a pier that boasts 12 licensed cafes and restaurants, and 19...
Losinj in Croatia named European Island of Sport 2020
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Losinj in Croatia named European Island of Sport 2020

Losinj in Croatia has been named European Island of Sport 2020 - and to celebrate Hotel Bellevue in Čikat Bay has launched an Active 365 Weekend package. Known as Croatia’s “island of vitality”, Losinj will this year welcome some of the world’s leading triathletes, cyclists, runners and cricketers for a series of sporting events on the island. Events include the XTERRA Croatia off-road race weekend, the 10th Losinj half marathon and the Mediterranean Cricket League.  Losinj sporting events in 2020 XTERRA Croatia On 18-19 April, more than 800 participants will line up in Losinj to take part in XTERRA Croatia, an off-road racing extravaganza comprising the first ever XTERRA off-road triathlon held in Croatia, and a 40km off-road mountain bike race.  The XTERRA Croatia triathlon w...
Coronavirus: no Formula 1 fans will attend the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix
Sports Travel

Coronavirus: no Formula 1 fans will attend the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have confirmed that the Formula 1 event from 20-22 March 2020 will be held behind closed doors because of the coronavirus outbreak.  While the Chinese GP in April was postponed, the Bahrain race, the second on the 2020 F1 calendar, will be open for participants only and will be televised.   In a statement published on Facebook, Bahrain GP officials said: “In consultation with our international partners and the Kingdom’s national health Taskforce, Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix as a participants-only event.  “As an F1 host nation, balancing the welfare of supporters and race goers is a tremendous responsibility. Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public...
2020: a huge year for football in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires
Events, Guides

2020: a huge year for football in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires

With Copa America fixtures at River Plate's stadium and two major milestones for Boca Juniors on the calendar, 2020 promises to be a huge year for football fans in Argentina’s capital city Buenos Aires. Argentina and Colombia co-host the 47th edition of the Copa America, the equivalent of Europe’s Uefa European Championship, and Buenos Aires will be the location for four matches.   On 12 June the iconic El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, home of River Plate, will host the opening match of the tournament between Argentina and Chile in group A. As well as the opening match, the 70,000-capacity El Monumental will also host Argentina’s group A fixtures against Paraguay and Australia and a quarter-final on 5 July.  Players such as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguer...
Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev: London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host June title fight 
Events

Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev: London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host June title fight 

British boxing star Anthony Joshua has confirmed a homecoming fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday 20 June. After bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York and Saudi Arabia, champion Joshua will now defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles against Bulgaria's mandatory challenger.  The title fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office, is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment. Ticket information for the 20 June event will be announced soon. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter and magazine: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What the fighter say  Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) “On 20 June, I am defending my heavyweight world titles. ...
Coronavirus: IOC chief Bach urges athletes to prepare ‘full steam’ for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Sports Travel

Coronavirus: IOC chief Bach urges athletes to prepare ‘full steam’ for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged athletes around the world to keep preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite the coronavirus outbreak.  Japan’s capital city hosts the summer Olympics from 24 July to 9 August and the Paralympics from 25 August to 6 September.  Many major sporting events are under threat due to the spread of the virus and media reports have claimed that the games in Tokyo could be postponed or cancelled. But in a statement issued on 3 March, the IOC said: “The IOC executive board [EB] today expressed its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  “The IOC EB heard a report on all the measures taken so far to address the coronavirus situation, which was followed by a comprehensive discussion. “A joint task force had alre...
2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  
Events, Guides

2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  

The sporting world will be watching Aintree as the famous Liverpool racecourse hosts the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival for three days in April.  Starting with Liverpool’s Day on Thursday 2 April, the opening day of the festival is described as “one of the region’s best kept secrets” and a popular choice for racing fans and couples alike.  Day two at Aintree, #FabulousFriday (3 April), is Ladies Day. As well as four Grade One races on the track, fashion and style is the order of the day off the track. The final day of the festival, Saturday 4 April, is the big one as the Grand National is held at 5.15pm (UK time). Millions around the world will be watching the £1m Grade 3 handicap steeplechase as the horses jump 30 fences around the 4-mile-2.5-furlong circuit.   Here we loo...
March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more
Events, Guides

March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more

A popular sporting event on the March 2020 calendar is horse racing's Cheltenham Festival. Taking place from 10-13 March, the festival is known as the "most prestigious jump racing event of the year" and includes races such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, World Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other major sporting events in March 2020 include the Six Nations rugby championship, the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, British Basketball League (BBL) Trophy Final in Glasgow, Six Day Manchester cycling and F1's first grand prix of the season in Australia. Here we look at what's on in March... 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for update...

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