The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is in the process of reopening combat sports events to fans. According to a memo published by the agency, promoters will be able to have fans with a cap of 50% of the listed capacity of the venue.
The promoters will have to follow TDLR compliance for COVID-19 which were developed in consultation with medical and health officials. This includes COVID-19 testing of athletes, seconds and staff for the events.
Texas would be the second state behind Florida to allow spectators back to attend fights.
Promoters seeking to hold events in Texas with spectators must submit an operational plan to the TDLR to outline how it will cover logistics to remain in compliance with COVID-19 screening.
Payout Perspective:
An interesting move by the state of Texas although not out of the ordinary for the regulatory body. The good news is that it appears they will be enforcing testing as well as requiring promoters submit an operational plan as to how they would address screening and (assuming) what happens in the event there is a positive test. One might think that the UFC and Bellator would be prime candidates to hold events in the state based on their protocols and the possibility of generating some gate revenue.
Leave a Reply