Chicago Bulls (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
Add the Chicago Bulls to the list of teams which are helping out their game-day staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is an unusual “new normal” we are all having to get used to. Between the social distancing or full-on self-quarantining, the world has become a very different place thanks to the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, the Chicago Bulls organization is going to reach out a hand and help.
For game-day workers, the next few months were set to become a hellish nightmare after both the NBA and NHL suspended play. Those who make a living preparing fans’ nachos, scanning tickets and ensuring the United Center is a safe place are living in uncertain times.
Between both Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, the 1,200 employees who make up the United Center staff are going to be taken care of. The owners have pledged approximately $3.3 million to pay these employees through what would have been the remainder of the regular season.
This comes at such a beautiful time for those folks who may have wondered whether they could even find a second or temporary job, as people in most major cities in the country are recommended to stay inside. Restaurants are closing dine-in service, of course, so maybe one of the only options out there is for someone to try and pick up work delivering food.
Still, that might be a little scary being in close proximity to so many people every day.
Currently, no one knows whether or not the NBA or NHL regular seasons will re-open play. Beyond that, even, the postseason has to be in question as well.
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The Bulls and Blackhawks each had seven remaining home games left to play at the United Center before the suspensions were implemented. Only the Blackhawks had an outside shot at entering the playoffs, but chances were slim for both teams.
Besides these Chicago owners, plenty of other folks around the sports world have gone out of their way to help those in need. Whether it’s guys like Russell Wilson and Stephen Curry pledging millions of meals to kids who have to stay home from school, or players like Kevin Love and Zion Williamson donating their financial gifts to stadium workers, this has brought out the good in so many people.
Stay safe, Chicago, and hopefully we have our teams, health and “normal” back sooner rather than later.
