Coronavirus and college football: what might this mean for colleges’ bottom lines?

Coronavirus has changed many aspects of American life, and now it is altering college football. Leagues like the Big Ten and the Pac-12 originally postponed their fall seasons, while other leagues plan to continue on, such as the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and the Big 12. On September 16, the Big Ten reversed its decision to sit out the season and will instead start on October 23. This decision affects more than just the players and fans: for many colleges and college towns, the loss of football means more than just a lost community activity—it may mean the loss of tens of millions of dollars.