The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
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The International Skating Union has provisionally awarded the 2024 world figure skating championships to Montreal. The championships were scheduled to be held in Montreal in 2020 but they were cancelled on March 11 — five days before the start of the event — because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were one of the first global sports events to be wiped off the calendar by the pandemic.
The Montreal world championships will be held March 18-24, 2024. The 2022 event will be in Montpellier, France, while Saitama, Japan will host the championships in 2023.
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Ball Arena in Denver has been approved to return to full capacity for the next round of the NBA and NHL playoffs providing fans wear face coverings.
The 10,500-fan limit will remain in place for the Nuggets’ first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Colorado Avalanche’s second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Nuggets took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series into Game 6 Thursday night in Portland. Game 7, if necessary, will be Sunday afternoon in Denver. The Avalanche take a 2-0 lead into Game 3 Friday night in Las Vegas.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment granted the return to full capacity for the first time since the pandemic started. Children under 3 are exempt from wearing masks. Fans must complete a health assessment prior to entry.
Ball Arena must meet air circulation requirements set by the NHL. The arena can also host pack houses for entertainment and sports beyond the NBA and NHL playoffs. The approval Thursday came two days after outdoor homes of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos, were granted permission to return to full capacity.
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