Miami (AFP)
The University of Florida said it was ready to welcome NFL (American football), NBA (basketball) and MLB (baseball) teams to compete there on Thursday, following in the footsteps of the state governor, who stops repeating his invitation.
"We receive excellent advice from state and health authorities. When they feel it is safe to host sporting events, we will be ready to do so," said the sports director. from the University of Florida, Scott Stricklin.
The coronavirus pandemic has been beating the competition for two months in the United States. But Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a loyal ally of President Donald Trump who wants a quick return from competition, made sport an "essential service" and authorized the UFC, the largest professional mixed martial arts league, to organize the first evening of fighting on Saturday.
Golf exhibitions, notably involving world number one Rory McIlroy and superstar Tiger Woods, are planned for the next few days in the "Sunshine State".
Also, while various franchises may not be able to quickly replay at home, due to the restrictions associated with the Covid-19, Ron DeSantis has repeated in recent days to be ready to welcome them.
"I have already spoken with some of our institutions like the University of Florida," he told Fox News on Thursday. "They have a big football stadium, + The Swamp +, which is not used on Sundays, so if an NFL team needs a place, we could help."
"I wanted to remind the governor that our university and the Gainesville campus have world-class healthcare facilities, an iconic football stadium, a state-of-the-art basketball hall and a brand new baseball field. less than two hours from cities where professional franchises operate, "added Stricklin.
Ben Hill Griffin stadium, nicknamed "The Swamp" in reference to the local team of Gators, can accommodate 88,548 people or even more than 90,000 during large university posters.
The lawn was laid last month in the new Florida Ballpark, which cost 65 million dollars (60 million euros) and where the baseball team, winner of the university championship in 2017 will now play.
Finally, the O'Connell Center, home to the Gators that Frenchman Joakim Noah led to national titles in 2006 and 2007, underwent a renovation for $ 64.5 million in 2016.
© 2020 AFP