Sports fans still remember the empty arenas, bubble rules, masked athletes, and bizarre safety theater that changed games at every level. This section gathers the pandemic sports stories readers still search for and talk about, from youth leagues to the Super Bowl.

Sports (13)

These illustrated stories are part of COVID Chronicles, a 237-page collection of pandemic memories that readers revisit for the humor, the disbelief, and the perspective.

Want the big-picture version? Start with our guide to weird COVID sports rules and restrictions.

Own The Full Collection

Want all of the sports memories in one place?

COVID Chronicles is more than a blog archive. It is a curated, coffee-table-ready collection of 101 illustrated pandemic memories that readers can flip through, gift, and revisit anytime.

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Empty tennis court during the pandemic

Doubles Tennis was Banned and Every Other Court Was Shut Down

Golf ball sits on top of foam hole filler

Golf Courses Added Foam Hole Fillers to the Cups

Man and two daughters look upset as the basketball hoops are missing the rims

Basketball Rims Got Removed from Outdoor Courts

Skate park filled in with sand during pandemic

Skate Parks Were Closed and Filled Up with Sand

Group of female youth basketball players wearing face masks in gym

Youth Basketball Required Masks and Extra Policies for Spectators

Group of young kids wearing face masks at an indoor water park

Indoor Water Parks Added Extra Safety Measures

An NBA basketball player opening a hotel room to sneak in a female during the pandemic

An NBA Player Got Caught Breaking the Rules in the Bubble

Empty sports arena during the pandemic

Professional Sports Played in Empty Arenas

Paddleboarder being chased off the coast of Malibu

Paddleboarder Was Chased and Arrested by the Coast Guard

Female riding her Peloton bike overlooking the outdoors

Peloton Bike Sales Went Through the Roof

NASCAR driver standing in front of his car with a face mask on

NASCAR Made Their Drivers Wear Mask

Three high school kids playing hockey with face masks on

High School Hockey Players Wore Face Masks During Games

Superbowl LV was played in Tampa Bay

Superbowl LV Was Played in Full Stadium in Tampa Bay

What people are saying

Reviews from readers

"This book will make you laugh and feel ALL the feelings."

Five star rating

"One of the most delightful reads of this year! I highly recommend."

Five star rating

"A great coffee table book. Easy to pick up read."

Five star rating

"Great coffee table conversation starter."

Five star rating

"Funny and fun to read. What a fun way to put the pandemic in perspective."

Five star rating

Picture of author Anthony Faust

About the Author

My life as a husband and father transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent home from work in March 2020, I've yet to return to the office. Adapting to the new pandemic world proved challenging for us all.

However, we managed to find silver linings. Drive-by birthdays brought joy to my kids' friends. I'll never forget stumbling upon a heartfelt hand-painted rock during my jog, reminding us that we're all in this together. Regular Zoom happy hours with close friends created cherished memories.

While quality time with my family was a blessing, we also faced hurdles. Assisting my youngest daughter with frustrating math homework on a poorly designed iPad app tested our patience. Both girls struggled with wearing masks during sports and school.

Sadly, witnessing COVID-19 being politicized and witnessing the closure of small businesses while the wealthy thrived was disheartening.

I wrote this book to document our experiences, learning from them and striving for better decisions in the future. Join me on this rewarding journey of resilience and growth.


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