COVID-19 cancellations are back. Although some restrictions were loosening this year following the rapid spread of COVID-19 in 2020, some of the annual festive and athletic events that returned are facing cancellations again as the new Omicron variant surges. As information on the virus develops, major events have gone on hiatus amid precautions.
Here, a roundup of some of the events that were scheduled for the rest of the year that are now postponed or canceled due to COVID-19.
Entertainment
• The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular: The New York City staple, known for its high-flying kicks and even more exciting costumes, is canceling the rest of its Christmas Spectacular performances due to “increasing challenges from the pandemic.” But the Rockettes plan on stepping back on stage in 2022.
• Broadway: One of the Big Apple’s major tourist attractions has also canceled some of its recent performances after going on hiatus last year. Shows from beloved musical acts like “Hamilton,” “The Tina Turner Musical,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” have all had shows canceled over the last week. The Michael Jackson musical “MJ” has canceled all performances through Dec. 26. and previews will resume on Dec. 27. Other Broadway hits have suspended operations throughout December due to positive cases, including “Wicked,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” and “Ain’t Too Proud.” “Hamilton” announced Monday that performances from Dec. 20 through Dec. 26 are canceled and will be fully refunded as a result of multiple positive COVID test results within the cast and crew. In addition, “Jagged Little Pill” said Monday that they decided to shut down the musical due to rising cases.
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Hugh Jackman, who is currently starring in “The Music Man” told fans on Dec. 28 that he tested positive for COVID and that he was experiencing mild symptoms. The Broadway show said on Dec. 28 that it would be canceling all performances through Saturday. Jackman, who says he is fully vaccinated, has an approximate return to stage date of Jan. 6.
• Jingle Ball: iHeartRadio canceled its final Jingle Ball Tour date this weekend, which was set to take place at FLA Live Arena in Floridau on Sunday, Dec. 19, citing rising concerns with the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
• Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest: LL Cool J, the headliner for ABC’s annual ball drop, canceled his appearance due to testing positive for COVID-19. “The New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special started in 1972 and was originally called “Three Dog Night’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”. It takes place in New York City’s Times Square. Over the years, it has included performances from some of the biggest artists of the time, which leads up to the big countdown and ball drop signifying a new year.
Adele Los Vegas Residency: Singer and songwriter Adele had to cancel her residency on the Los Vegas strip at Ceasers Palace due to Covid restraints. In a tearful video, Adele explained that the cancellation came about because of the pandemic, while some sources also say the cancellation came after a disagreement over set design. Thousands of fans are left wondering what to do, the cancellation coming 24 hours before the singer was set to step on stage.
Tom Ford Fall 2022 Show: Fashion week has begun again, and with all the buzz about Covid concerns, it’s no surprise that designer Tom Ford canceled his show. The show was supposed to kick off the start of New York Fashion Week starting Feb. 16, but because of concerns surrounding Omicron and its effects on Los Angeles and Tom Fords Italian factories, the brand decided that the collection would not be ready for viewing in time for the show date. The designer will release images digitally of the work at a later date. “I am incredibly disappointed not to be able to present a show during New York fashion week as I feel strongly that a live presentation is the best way to convey a clear message for the season,” Ford, who is also the chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), said in a statement following the cancelation announcement.
Sports
• NHL: The National Hockey League said Monday that after two games on Tuesday, it would pause the current season until after Christmas Day. Games are scheduled to resume December 27. The National Hockey League has a roster of 31 teams nationally recognized teams. With Monday night’s announcement, there now have been 49 games postponed, 44 of them since December 13. The game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens at Montreal on Saturday, for instance, was postponed by the NHL due to COVID-19 concerns. The Bruins have six players in NHL COVID-19 protocol due to becoming infected with COVID. The league has a set of protocols to help limit exposure to the virus while making sure that everyone remains safe. Also, last Friday, the NHL announced that all games for the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames will be postponed through at least Dec. 23.
• NFL: The National Football League has postponed three 15-week games. The NFL, which houses 32 nationally recognized teams, rescheduled last Saturday’s Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns is to Monday, and that Sunday’s meetings between the Washington Football Team at the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Seattle Seahawks at the Los Angeles Rams have been postponed to Tuesday. An official statement from the league reads, “We have made these schedule changes based on medical advice and after discussion with the NFLPA as we are seeing a new, highly transmissible form of the virus this week resulting in a substantial increase in cases across the league.”
• NBA: The National Basketball Association, comprised to 30 teams, postponed two Chicago Bulls games for a future date due to a COVID outbreak among players. The Bulls were set to play the Detroit Pistons and the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 16. In addition, Sunday’s scheduled games between the Brooklyn Nets and the Denver Nuggets, as well the Cavaliers game against the Atlanta Hawk, and the 76ers against the New Orleans Pelicans, were postponed. Monday’s game between the Magic and the Toronto Raptors was also postponed, as was Tuesday’s game between the Nets and the Washington Wizards. New dates have not been released yet.
• NCAA: The National Collegiate Athletic Association has postponed more than 12 games over the last few days. Some of the matches have been rescheduled, and others are still waiting on confirmation. The NCAA has 68 teams nationally recognized.
