As of 10:15 AM Wednesday, the Seattle Dragons of the XFL, the Mariners (whose season-opening homestand is coming up March 26-April 1) and the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips might not only have any fans in the stands, but their games would presumably be "canceled" due to an "emergency proclamation  (executive order) from Gov. Jay Inslee.

The duration of the ban is "indefinite" quoting anonymous sources.

According to multiple sources, ranging from MyNorthwest.com to KOMO-TV and others, Inslee announced the ban, which applies to events or gatherings over 250 people. Presumably, this would also affect concerts and other such events.

Sporting events would likely be canceled or moved because you can't just let in only 250 people. It's possible the WHL games could be played but in empty arenas, but we're pretty sure the WHL won't go for that idea.

The ban, which applies to King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, will likely NOT include closing schools at least for now. Nor would it mandate any work area closings.

The events in immediate jeopardy are the XFL Seattle Dragon's game set for Sunday at Century Link field vs. the Los Angeles Wildcats. The Seattle Sounders are due to return home for a soccer match vs. FC Dallas March 21st as well.

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It could also affect the Seattle Mariners season-opening homestand at T-Mobile Park, which starts March 26 with three games vs. the Rangers, then three more vs. Minnesota. MLB has spoken with teams in harder-hit Cononavirus areas to consider swapping dates and venues, that might mean Seattle starts with six on the road.

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HOWEVER, there has been no official comment from the XFL Dragons, the Mariners or MLB, or the Sounders.

AND, it will be interesting to see what the Western Hockey League does about four games involving the Seattle Thunderbirds, who play in the ShoWare Center in Kent, and the Everett Silvertips who play in the Angel of the Winds Arena.

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The ShoWare Center is in King County, the Everett Arena in Snohomish County.  The Vancouver Giants are slated to play in Kent March 14, the Spokane Chiefs are supposed to play at Seattle March 17,  the Victoria Royals have a game in Everett March 20, and the Portland Winterhawks wrap up the WHL regular season March 21st at Seattle.

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The event ban will not affect the Tri-City Americans, aside from a trip to Portland, they finish the regular season with four of their last five games at home.

The WHL has not yet issued any statements.  It is also not specifically known how this ban will affect Seattle area high school sporting events.

 

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