Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group who oversee the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and NBA’s Denver Nuggets, have committed to paying their full- and part-time event staff impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns for the next 30 days, according to a press release.
“Our hourly KSE event staff plays an integral role in ensuring our fan experience is first class in every way,” KSE vice-chairman Josh Kroenke said in a statement, “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.”
The KSE ownership group also noted that all events at Pepsi Center, Paramount Theatre, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and 1STBANK Center will be suspended for that same 30-day period.
In addition to providing financial compensation, KSE said they are working with We Don’t Waste, a local food recovery program, to help ensure those in need of food can have access to it. The joint venture resulted in a donation of six pallets of food that would have otherwise perished due to the recent event suspensions, according to KSE’s release.
“It is a very trying time for our tight-knit sports community,” Kroenke said, “but more importantly for human beings in general. 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.”
News of KSE’s commitment to paying their staff for the next 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic follows a similar model as what other organizations around sports have done.
Earlier on Friday, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings teamed up with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers to set up a fund for workers at their shared arena, Staples Center.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also took the step of offering to reimburse the meals for Mavericks employees who purchase breakfast or lunch at Dallas-area local, independent restaurants in an effort to help support the local economy.
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