Governor opens Michigan for pro
sports without fans
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[June 26, 2020]
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
opened up the state for pro sports on Thursday, but fans will not be
allowed at venues with the threat of the coronavirus ongoing.
Whitmer said in a statement, "Good news, sports fans. We are now
ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in
Michigan. While this is an encouraging step in the reopening of our
economy, it is critical for athletes to continue social distancing
and taking precautions to stay safe.
"We want to keep our momentum going and keep moving forward, so it's
incumbent on everyone doing their part to slow the spread of
COVID-19."
The executive order signed by Whitmer will first affect the Detroit
Tigers, who are due to assemble by July 1 when Major League Baseball
restarts training camps in teams' home cities. Opening Day for
baseball will be July 23 or July 24.
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The Detroit Lions are due to begin training in Allen Park, Mich., on
July 28.
Stipulations in the executive order include:
--Live audiences are banned from venues aside from staffers and
media members.
--Activities must follow the protocols established by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services.
--When possible outside of sporting activities, people must remain 6
feet apart.
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![](../images/062620PIX/sports49.jpg)
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addresses the media about the
flooding along the Tittabawassee River, after several dams breached,
in downtown Midland, Michigan, U.S., May 20, 2020. REUTERS/Rebecca
Cook/File Photo
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Mar/14/images/ads/current/tires250x300.gif)
In terms of the possible return of fans, Whitmer's office said in a
statement, "While the governor understands the urgency to get back
to cheering on our teams in-person, every step must be done with
safety and public health in mind."
Like many states, Michigan is seeing a recent increase in
coronavirus cases. According to the Detroit Free Press, 353 cases
were reported Thursday, a single-day high for June.
--Field Level Media
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