In light of an outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), sports completely stopped their leagues except for one, Liga Mx. On March 14, Liga Mx decided that all games would be played without fans. While some showed their enthusiasm towards the league continuing, others aren’t as happy. Here are the pros and cons of having a closed doors game:
Pro: We all have something to watch on TV. La Liga (Spanish), Premier League, MLS, Champions League, Copa del Rey, ConcaChampions, Bundesliga, etc have all suspended their games for the season. While the Liga MX continues due to the low cases of the virus. Mexico has not been declared as a phase 2 country, which allows them to continue their sporting events. On Twitter, fans have shown excitement that there will be a game on Sunday.
Con: Unfortunately, as a precaution the Liga decided to have games behind closed doors, and the teams will lose revenue. A joven-clasico like this fills el Estadio Azteca that approximately has a capacity of 87,523. In most clasicos America has filled their stadium.
Pro: If people cannot attend the stadium, viewership increases and ratings get better for the Liga Mx. This can potentially draw more people to like the Liga Mx, and eventually become a true fan. In 2018 according to Univision, Liga Mx broke record of 1.8 million viewers almost reaching the 2 million viewers in the game America vs Pumas. Most sports fans will have no choice, but to watch soccer during the weekend, which can significantly increase viewership.
Con: A clasico is not a real clasico without the pressure of the fans. El Estadio Azteca is known as a stadium that puts significant pressure on soccer players who aren’t local. As known, America vs Cruz Azul is usually one of the best games in la Liga Mx, because of the final in clausura 2013. Without fans, the players may not feel that pride and pressure to win.
On March 14, coach Miguel Herrera said that it was a good decision that the Liga Mx took these precautions to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. “We have to take care of ourselves and take all precautions. This isn’t a joke, it is a difficult situation and we have to take it seriously and without fear. A good precaution is not have people in stadiums.”
America will face Cruz Azul on March 15 in el Estadio Azteca at 9:15 p.m. central time. The game will be aired on TUDN.
The Powerful Eagles ⏐ Las Poderosas Águilas 