Because of the coronavirus, Phoenix Rising FC will play its next three home games without fans in attendance. (Photo by Joe Hicks/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC found itself on the positive end of an unfortunate situation.
The team was scheduled to play New Mexico United on Aug. 8 in New Mexico, but travel restrictions and a mandatory 14-day quarantine because of the coronavirus have halted those plans.
The teams are still scheduled to play, but the game has been moved to Casino Arizona Field in Scottsdale. With this change, the Rising will now play nine home games and only seven away. The USL had deemed an unbalanced schedule might be necessary depending on virus restrictions and guidelines.
Additionally, no fans would be allowed entry for the New Mexico game, as well as two others, the team announced in a press release. Home games on Saturday and August 15, against El Paso Locomotive and San Diego Loyal SC, respectively, will have no fans.
“Phoenix Rising hopes to host fans at Casino Arizona Field this season, once it is deemed safe to do so by local health officials,” the team said.
Rising coach Rick Schantz says playing with no fans is a different kind of challenge, but his team has to keep fighting.
“You have to remember why we play the game, and that love of the game has to carry you through,” he said. “But not having fans is challenging, that’s for sure.”
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