Phase 3 of Texas' reopening covers professional, collegiate and other similar sporting eventsGETTY IMAGES
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that the attendance capacity for venues in the state "has been raised to 50% in an effort to further open the state economy amid the coronavirus pandemic," according to the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The new order comes a "week after a revised decision allowed stadiums in Texas to open to fans at 25% capacity," and just "three days after the state set a single-day high of positive tests." Abbott's order for "Phase 3" of the state's reopening "covers professional, collegiate, and other similar sporting events." IndyCar is set to open its season at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, but track President Eddie Gossage last week said that it will "still not include fans." Additionally, the PGA Tour has previously said that the Charles Schwab Challenge next week in Ft. Worth will be "without fans." Meanwhile, FC Dallas yesterday announced that a player "tested positive" for COVID-19. No other cases or symptoms "within FC Dallas soccer operations, front office or Toyota Stadium staff have been identified at this time" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/4). In Ft. Worth, Jeff Wilson writes Texas college sports programs "appear to be a major beneficiary" from Abbott's decision. College programs "seem inclined to allow fans to attend games and have time to consider how to safely put them in the stands." By the time fall seasons begin, it is "possible more fans would be allowed" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 6/4).
