Big Ten announcement disappoints fans, businesses in East Lansing

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Big Ten Conference announced on Tuesday that it’s postponing all fall sports competitions and conference championships due to the pandemic.

Those who live and work near the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing are bummed to see the football season put on hold.

RELATED LINK: Big Ten to cancel football season, hope to play in spring

Many say they’re worried about the impact it will have on the community.

“Not real happy, I think we were all looking forward to football this fall,” said John Koltvedt.

RELATED LINK: Local sports shop owner disappointed by Big Ten postponement

“The economical impact that this is going to have is insane,” Harper Newell stated.

Over at “Crunchy’s,” owner Mike Krueger says he’s bracing for another drop in sales.

“Those Saturdays are something that we count on, game days are something we count on, even away games are something we count on so it’s going to sting ya know, we’re missing out on 12 games this year,” he said.

Krueger says the popular bar and restaurant near MSU’s campus already saw a 60% to 70% loss in business because of the shutdown.

RELATED LINK: AP source: MAC cancels fall football season due to virus

“I mean we were doing takeout only for a long time and then we were open up to 50% capacity, but obviously you can’t make a whole lot of money on 50% capacity and takeout,” Krueger said.

With no college football, potentially until spring, Krueger also worries about his staff.

“This is what they rely on for their income and so while we don’t plan on cutting any jobs or anything like that, I’m concerned about the volume that we otherwise would be doing and the tips that we would make,” Krueger stated.

Ultimately, he understands safety was at the forefront for the Big Ten. Krueger also says the best thing he and his staff can do right now is to stay optimistic.

WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:

As far as sports fan though, they’re counting down the days until the arena’s are packed again.

“I’m bummed like what are we going to do on Saturdays now (laughs),” said Koltvedt.