Coronavirus: when stadiums become temples of struggle

Temples of collective and popular intoxication, playgrounds more unique than each other, the largest stadiums in the world have been deserted for a month. After the hypothetical behind closed doors, the arenas of global gotha ​​now make way for hospital staff, a symbol of a world of sport which is involved in the fight against the Coronavirus.

"Drive-thru"

The images of cars pouring into the passageways of Dublin's famous Croke Park have launched a fashion, or rather made the world of sport responsible. On March 17, when the first containment measures began to fall in Europe, a broom of dozens of cars rushed into the aisles of the legendary Gaelic football stadium, a time used by the XV of Clover. And for good reason, the Irish health authorities have transformed the largest stadium in the country into a screening center open all day and seven days a week. Simple and at the very least convenient, it is the practice known as "drive-thru" (consisting of never getting out of your car) which is recommended: by appointment, everyone could go to the stadium and undergo a so-called PCR test, namely a sample using swabs in the nose. Consequently, many speakers will follow suit. In the United States, where the pandemic is raging when the country has exceeded 100,000 positive cases, the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay which will host the next Super Bowl has been transformed into a "drive-in", like from the equally famous Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Whoever came up with the idea for drive thru #coronavirus testing at Croke Park deserves a big pat on the back! pic.twitter.com/WxK0yur7HW

Supply centers and shelters

Not always optimized to set up the drive-in system and accommodate the train of vehicles accompanying it, the biggest stadiums on the planet are nonetheless involved. Thus, the Santiago Bernabeu de Madrid has swapped its White House temple costume for that of gathering white coats by becoming a center for the supply and storage of medical supplies necessary for the fight against Covid-19 in Spain, now the second country most affected by the pandemic. "All this equipment will be handed over to the Spanish health authorities," announced the club in the capital. Provision of infrastructure to the government which has become widespread in the country since the implementation of the state of health emergency. Thus, the Barcelona rival did the same, as did Espanyol, the other club in Barcelona.

Principality Stadium turns field hospital with up to 2,000 beds as @WelshRugbyUnion works with @ CV_UHB @ cardiffcouncil @ WelshGovernment @ CAV_LenRichards
'It's a privilege to offer our services and facilities at this time of national emergency' CEO Phillipshttps: //t.co/2EohQkHVWbpic.twitter.com/1okpexOvNs

In Wales, the lair of the XV of Leek, the Principality Stadium is preparing to become a temporary hospital where 2,000 additional beds will be installed announced the city of Cardiff on Friday. An initiative similar to those that are flourishing in South America where the legendary Maracana in Rio de Janeiro will welcome an influx of patients affected by Covid-19, like the stadiums in Sao Paulo, the city more affected by the epidemic in Brazil, where the creation of additional beds is combined with blood collection. Also on the continent, the Centenario de Montevideo in Uruguay, the scene of the very first World Cup final, has been transformed into a reception center for the infected as well as for the homeless.

Symbolism

At Wembley, messages of support pour in on the storefront of the football temple. "Thank you NHS" could be read on the stadium screen last Thursday for all hospital staff across the Channel. Friday, the North London stadium was to host the friendly meeting between its Three Lions and Italy. "We are separated. But we are together. Forza Italia ", it was written on the facade of the gigantic Wembley, whose arch overlooking the stadium was dressed in the colors of Italy, as it was in the colors of France a few days after the attacks in November 2015." Wembley will soon roar again, "announced the stadium promoters, no doubt that all sports arenas around the world will do the same in an even more exciting future. In the meantime, the sports world may be at a standstill, but the stadiums are more alive than ever.

Although we couldn't welcome you to Wembley tonight, we are with you @azzurri.

This is a battle that must be faced together, with unity. #StayHomeSaveLives. pic.twitter.com/j9YMpdMRDn

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