Live events have widely and substantially experienced the negative effects of the coronavirus in recent weeks. 

On March 12, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced “To postpone or cancel all large gatherings until at least the end of March to slow the spread of the novel Coronavirus.”

This decision came after many sports tournaments ended up canceling. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s tournaments were initially supposed to be held without fans, but they were canceled instead.

The NBA ended up canceling its season as well. On their Instagram page post, they posted a letter to their fans, explaining why they decided to suspend the season. They will resume their season after 30 days or when it becomes safe.

Bakersfield College’s live sports were also impacted. On March 13, Athletic Director, Sandi Taylor posted a statement to the Bakersfield College Athletics Instagram page.
“The health and welfare of our student athletes and campus community are at the forefront of this decision. We are saddened for what this means for our sophomore student athletes and the heartbreak they are experiencing of not being able to play. We know the CCCAA will be working in conjunction with the NCAA and NAIA to navigate eligibility issues going forward,” Taylor said. 

Apart from sports being affected, big music festivals and tours are also feeling the effects of the virus. 

Big festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed until October. 

Here in Bakersfield, the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater has been deeply affected by the coronavirus. 

On their website, they stated “In light of this, The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater will postpone all theater events through the end of March 2020 and/or when the Public Health Department and Governor’s office reevaluate the situation. We are playing our part to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.”

One event that has not been canceled yet in Bakersfield is Groovin De Mayo. It is to be held on May 2 at Stramler Park. 

Danny P, who hosts the morning show on Groove 99.3, believes the pandemic could have a direct effect on ticket sales cause artists to become afraid. 

One of the artists that will be performing at Groovin De Mayo is Amanda Perez and she went on Facebook Live stating “I don’t know if I want to put myself in harm’s way.”

“Right now we are canceling events no we are not. Are we going to be probably stepping into the world of things being postponed absolutely,” Danny P said.

The Lightning In A Bottle festival, which was also supposed to be held in Kern County during Memorial Day weekend, has been canceled.