Rams COO Kevin Demoff is hopeful 2020 season starts on time
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Cameron DaSilva
The coronavirus has paused sports around the world, delaying the start of the MLB season and halting the NBA and NHL campaigns, among other leagues. The NFL has pushed forward with free agency starting on time and the 2020 draft still set to be held on April 23-25 – albeit in a much different setting – but it’s not certain that the season will begin on time.
Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN said last week that he’d be “shocked” if there was football this fall, shedding light on the very real possibility that the NFL and college football seasons could be delayed.
Rams COO Kevin Demoff still hopes the season will kick off on time, but he’s reluctant to speak with any conviction during this uncertain time. He hopes the opening of SoFi Stadium will go off without a hitch on July 25 when Taylor Swift takes the stage for the venue’s first event.
“We’re hopeful that will remain the goal and then be open for the NFL season, which hopefully comes on time, the preseason and all of that,” Demoff told USA TODAY. “The hardest thing to do in this period of time and probably the one thing you’ll regret is to speak to anything with certainty.”
The Rams’ and Chargers’ season will unofficially begin in August when the preseason kicks off. Week 1 of the regular season will start on Sept. 10, about a month and a half after Swift’s concert.
The rapid spread of the coronavirus has many wondering if the season will indeed begin in September, or if the start of it will be pushed back. The Rams have already announced their refund policy in case games are canceled, giving fans back their money if that does happen.
But for now, Demoff remains hopeful that SoFi Stadium will open on time and that the Rams can run out of the tunnel there this fall. If not, the Rams will adjust, as everyone has during this uncertain time.
“Whenever the first game is played at SoFi Stadium, which we certainly hope will be as soon as possible, it’ll be a great celebration,” Demoff said.
“The health and priority of the nation for everybody to stay safe comes first. And if that changes timetables, then we’ll adjust, as everybody has had to adjust to the disappointment that has come through some of the cancellations and closures. Lots of life moments have changed.”
