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As the world spins through complete uncertainty — not only in dealing with coronavirus, but also with business aftermath — brands connected to professional sports should begin building contingency plans on what to do should sports be dark for an extended period of time.<blockquote><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/03/15/coronavirus-updates-mlb-baseball-season-delay-opening-day-spring-training/5054445002/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-things-sports-connected-franchises-and-restaurants-should-consider-major-league-baseball-may-start-even-later-if-at-all-2712526" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">There’s a real possibility the Major League Baseball season could be delayed until Memorial Day weekend — or even longer — two MLB executives told USA TODAY Sports.</a><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/03/15/coronavirus-updates-mlb-baseball-season-delay-opening-day-spring-training/5054445002/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-things-sports-connected-franchises-and-restaurants-should-consider-major-league-baseball-may-start-even-later-if-at-all-2712526" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The executives spoke on the condition of anonymity since they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the discussions.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/03/15/coronavirus-updates-mlb-baseball-season-delay-opening-day-spring-training/5054445002/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-things-sports-connected-franchises-and-restaurants-should-consider-major-league-baseball-may-start-even-later-if-at-all-2712526" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">No one knows when MLB will be able to begin its 2020 season, but certainly, playing a 162-game schedule starting on April 9 is completely unrealistic.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/03/15/coronavirus-updates-mlb-baseball-season-delay-opening-day-spring-training/5054445002/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=3-things-sports-connected-franchises-and-restaurants-should-consider-major-league-baseball-may-start-even-later-if-at-all-2712526" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Owners and presidents have a conference call at noon ET Monday to determine the next steps, which is changing by the hour as the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic sweeps across the world.</a></blockquote>Here are three things brands connected to sports should think about:Playing old sporting games: There is a reason ESPN Classic exists, as well as a reason Chicago sports fans still have a giant smile when talking about the ’85 Bears. People love the memories of amazing sports moments. While restaurants may be closed to dine-in guests for the next few weeks, they should still be thinking about what happens next.E-Games: The rise of video games and game playing continues to spike. What would it look like to stimulate sporting events through a Playstation game? What would it look like to broadcast these? What would it look like to offer betting on these?&nbsp;Moving From Sports to Something Else: Food challenges. Board games. Bloopers. Old sports movies. There are plenty of entertainment options to entertain guests. Start thinking about what promotions you will have when the dust settles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

3 Things Sports-Connected Franchises and Restaurants Should Consider: Major League Baseball May Start Even Later, If at All

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3 Things Sports-Connected Franchises and Restaurants Should Consider: Major League Baseball May Start Even Later, If at All

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