Sugar Land Skeeters President Chris Hill announced March 20 that the start of the Atlantic League Professional Baseball team's season will be delayed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Instead of lamenting this virus, we are working to cement previously new ideas as well as brainstorming innovative, even newer ideas," Hill said in a release.

Originally slated to start April 30, an new date for opening day has not been set.

In response to the delay, from March 20-27, fans can purchase undated "flex-books" of tickets that allow patrons to attend games on their schedule. These packages will include 14 undated tickets for $110, which equates to about $100 of savings, according to a release from the Skeeters.

Delaying the season could mean the team will do a modified half-season or a partial season with planned doubleheaders. As the season schedule changes, flights for the team will need to be rebooked, and the promotional schedule will need to be reorganized. Additionally, game day staff hiring will need to be finalized, and activities that would occur during the offseason will be compressed into about a week, Hill said in the release.


"We are going to have some slow weeks that culminate into a mad dash of preparation," Hill said.

To read the full update, click here.