DENVER — Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) announced late Saturday night its part-time and hourly employees will still be paid the next 30 days, despite the United States sports league not currently playing games due to coronavirus concerns.
The company also announced over the weekend that it suspended all events at Pepsi Center, Paramount Theatre, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and 1STBANK Center for 30 days.
"Denver is an incredibly resilient city," said KSE Vice-Chairman Josh Kroenke. “We have met tragedies and uncertainty head-on many times before, and we are doing so again now. The impact COVID-19 is having on our health and business communities is unprecedented. We are not health experts. However, we are business and community leaders, and we all have a role to play in helping one another. Please take this threat very seriously for the benefit of yourself and your loved ones, and please regularly check CDC and WHO websites for updates and greater information.”
The threat of COVID-19 has led to the temporary suspension of all major sports leagues across North America and Europe. In addition, KSE has suspended all events at Pepsi Center, Paramount Theatre, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and 1STBANK Center for 30 days.
“One of the many consequences of the pandemic is its effect on area businesses of all sizes,” Kroenke said. “Many companies – in particular the service industry – are temporarily laying off hard-working employees due to the cancellation of events amid an uncertain future. Our hourly KSE event staff plays an integral role in ensuring our fan experience is first class in every way, and it is with these thoughts in mind that KSE will continue to pay its part-time and hourly employees for the next 30 days. We also have asked our vendors and partners to do the same.”
Given the current state of grocery stores and need for food worldwide, KSE and its vendors are also proud and long-time partners with area agencies who are leading the charge to assist the community with hunger. KSE continues to work with the local food recovery program, We Don’t Waste, to provide food for those in need and, and recently with our partners, donated six pallets of food that would have perished given the recent event suspensions at our numerous venues.
“It is a very trying time for our tight-knit sports community, but more importantly for human beings in general,” Kroenke said. “My father and I have personally had many conversations with coaches, players, executives, and support staff from our teams and clubs around the world, and it is inspiring to hear the determination to not only get through this difficult period but also to help and motivate others while doing so. From all of us here at KSE and on behalf of my family, please stay smart, stay safe, and support one another. We look forward to seeing all of our fans back in our venues at the appropriate time!”
