The Effects of COVID on Local Events
The COVID pandemic has severely affected local event promoters and entertainment venues throughout the globe and it’s no different in Peoria, Illinois. With most large gatherings cancelled or taken online as live stream events for over a year, many have struggled to continue to stay afloat.
For Peoria area sports teams, it’s been a difficult 12 months, but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. With their seasons either totally cancelled or converted to live streaming of games only, their revenue almost entirely dried up overnight. 2021 definitely looks brighter as more and more people are vaccinated, despite the growing level of infection recently appearing in the area.
The Peoria Chiefs
Although the Peoria Chiefs will have a season this year, the seating capacity will be only 25% of the stadium’s capacity. They are also handling concessions differently with online ordering and delivery to customers’ seats.
The Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen are looking forward to their 40th anniversary season, their goal is to break even. With a new Danville, Illinois team in the Rivermen’s league, travel expenses should be reduced in 2021.
By the end of this year, local sports teams hope that large gatherings will start taking place again, allowing them to get back to business as usual. And event attendees will most likely be eager to get back to cheering their local teams.