Sports

Tokyo Olympics Begin with Muted Ceremony and Empty Stadium

Published

5 years ago

July 23, 2021

TOKYO (AP) — Belated and beleaguered, the virus-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics finally opened Friday night with cascading fireworks and made-for-TV choreography that unfolded in a near-empty stadium, a colorful but strangely subdued ceremony that set a striking tone to match a unique pandemic Games.

As their opening played out, devoid of the usual crowd energy, the Olympics convened amid simmering anger and disbelief in much of the host country, but with hopes from organizers that the excitement of the sports to follow would offset the widespread opposition.

“Today is a moment of hope. Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “But let us cherish this moment because finally we are all here together.”

“This feeling of togetherness — this is the light at the end of the dark tunnel of the pandemic,” Bach declared. Later, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka received the Olympic flame from a torch relay through the stadium and lit the Olympic cauldron.

Trepidations throughout Japan have threatened for months to drown out the usual packaged glitz of the opening. Inside the stadium after dusk Friday, however, a precisely calibrated ceremony sought to portray that the Games — and their spirit — are going on.

Early in the ceremony, an ethereal blue light bathed the empty seats as loud music muted the shouts of scattered protesters outside calling for the Games to be canceled. A single stage held an octagon shape meant to resemble the country’s fabled Mount Fuji. Later, an orchestral medley of songs from iconic Japanese video games served as the soundtrack for athletes’ entrances.

Mostly masked athletes waved enthusiastically to thousands of empty seats and to a world hungry to watch them compete but surely wondering what to make of it all. Some athletes marched socially distanced, while others clustered in ways utterly contrary to organizers’ hopes. The Czech Republic entered with other countries even though its delegation has had several positive COVID tests since arriving.

“You had to face great challenges on your Olympic journey,” Bach told the athletes. “Today you are making your Olympic dream come true.”

Organizers held a moment of silence for those who had died in the pandemic; as it ticked off and the music paused, the sounds of the protests echoed in the distance.

Protesters’ shouts gave voice to a fundamental question about these Games as Japan, and large parts of the world, reel from the continuing gut punch of a pandemic that is stretching well into its second year, with cases in Tokyo approaching record highs this week: Will the deep, intrinsic human attachment to the spectacle of sporting competition at the highest possible level be enough to salvage these Olympics?

Time and again, previous opening ceremonies have pulled off something that approaches magic. Scandals — bribery in Salt Lake City, censorship and pollution in Beijing, doping in Sochi — fade into the background when the sports begin.

But with people still falling ill and dying each day from the coronavirus, there’s a particular urgency to the questions about whether the Olympic flame can burn away the fear or provide a measure of catharsis — and even awe — after a year of suffering and uncertainty in Japan and around the world.

“Today, with the world facing great challenges, some are again questioning the power of sport and the value of the Olympic Games,” Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, said in a speech. But, she said of the Games’ possibilities, “This is the power of sport. … This is its essence.”

Japanese Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, with fireworks bursting over the stadium after he spoke.

Outside, hundreds of curious Tokyo residents lined a barricade that separated them from those entering — but just barely: Some of those going in took selfies with the onlookers across the barricades, and there was an excited carnival feeling. Some pedestrians waved enthusiastically to approaching Olympic buses.

The sports have already begun, and some of the focus is turning toward the competition to come.

Can the U.S. women’s soccer team, for instance, even after an early, shocking loss to Sweden, become the first to win an Olympics following a World Cup victory? Can Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama win gold in golf after becoming the first Japanese player to win the Masters? Will Italy’s Simona Quadarella challenge American standout Katie Ledecky in the 800- and 1,500-meter freestyle swimming races?

For now, however, it’s hard to miss how unusual these Games promise to be. The lovely national stadium can seem like an isolated militarized zone, surrounded by huge barricades. Roads around it have been sealed and businesses closed.

Inside, the feeling of sanitized, locked-down quarantine carries over. Fans, who would normally be screaming for their countries and mixing with people from around the world, have been banned, leaving only a carefully screened contingent of journalists, officials, athletes and participants.

Olympics often face opposition, but there’s also usually a pervasive feeling of national pride. Japan’s resentment centers on the belief that it was strong-armed into hosting — forced to pay billions and risk the health of a largely unvaccinated, deeply weary public — so the IOC can collect its billions in media revenue.

“Sometimes people ask why the Olympics exist, and there are at least two answers. One is they are a peerless global showcase of the human spirit as it pertains to sport, and the other is they are a peerless global showcase of the human spirit as it pertains to aristocrats getting luxurious hotel rooms and generous per diems,” Bruce Arthur, a sports columnist for the Toronto Star, wrote recently.

How did we get here? A quick review of the past year and a half seems operatic in its twists and turns.

A once-in-a-century pandemic forces the postponement of the 2020 version of the Games. A fusillade of scandals (sexism and other discrimination and bribery claims, overspending, ineptitude, bullying) unfolds. People in Japan, meanwhile, watch bewildered as an Olympics considered a bad idea by many scientists actually takes shape.

Japanese athletes, freed from onerous travel rules and able to train more normally, may enjoy a nice boost over their rivals in some cases, even without fans. Judo, a sport that Japan is traditionally a powerhouse in, will begin Saturday, giving the host nation a chance for early gold.

The reality, for now, is that the delta variant of the virus is still rising, straining the Japanese medical system in places, and raising fears of an avalanche of cases. Only a little over 20% of the population is fully vaccinated. And there have been near daily reports of positive virus cases within the so-called Olympic bubble that’s meant to separate the Olympic participants from the worried, skeptical Japanese population.

For a night, at least, the glamor and message of hope of the opening ceremonies may distract many global viewers from the surrounding anguish and anger.

“After more than half a century, the Olympic Games have returned to Tokyo,” Hashimoto said. “Now we will do everything in our power to make this Games a source of pride for generations to come.”

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.

Central Florida News

Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Todd Bowles wears a red Buccaneers cap and dark team shirt while speaking into an NFL microphone against a red Buccaneers and Raymond James backdrop.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.

Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.

“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”

Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority

Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.

The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.

“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.

Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.

“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.

Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.

“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.

Pass protection needs improvement

Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.

“The communication has got to be better,” he said.

Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.

He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.

“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.

Diaby, Bain among injury concerns

Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.

“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”

Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.

Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.

Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.

Packers present an explosive offensive challenge

Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”

Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.

Defense shows progress

Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.

He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.

Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.

“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.

Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround

Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.

“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”

Central Florida News

USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green

Published

3 days ago

September 29, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.

Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.

That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.

USF Head Coach Brian Hartline reviewing play. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.

Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.

USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.