No matter the way you put it, the world is getting hotter year over year.
Putting aside that there’s a new movie about Bruce Springsteen’s life starring Jeremy Allen White, the Earth can’t handle much more heat.
This past weekend showed how important taking precautions against the heat is ever so important.
Elly De La Cruz’s Mid-Game Woes
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz learned first hand how heat can hurt.
During a game that started out at a near unpleasant 92 degrees and inched towards 96 degrees by the end, De La Cruz hit a triple to center field that allowed him to almost score before getting thrown out. He slid head-first into home and was actively slow to stand up.
The top of the fourth saw the shortstop chugging water in the dugout. It was during that same inning that found De La Cruz vomiting. Gameplay was stopped and he eventually walked off of the field with some support. He would ultimately stay active in the game.
Eventually, in the seventh inning, De La Cruz hit a homer that went 435 feet to center field.
A World Cup Test Gets Too Hot
Next came the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup games that are meant to test the mettle of the cities that will ultimately host the 2026 matches. 12 sites will host matches – a majority of them occurring on the East coast where temperatures rose well above 90 degrees.
New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, DC and Orlando (who gets two venues) all experienced increased temperatures. Los Angeles and Seattle will also host games, the latter of which will experience the worst of the heatwave.
Only one venue – Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium – has coverage thanks to its retractable roof. A few other stadiums like Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium has coverage for its seats via a canopy roof but not enough for the players.
Timing is important for these games. A majority of them take place in the afternoon – starting at noon and essentially every hour until 9 P.M. – when temperatures will be the highest.
FIFA’s current plans to keep fans and teams safe is being looked at from all sides. According to FIFPRO, the player’s union, if temperatures rise above 89.6 degrees, cooling breaks are mandatory. Players must also measure their water intakes. No more than “250ml of water every 20 minutes” are allowed to be consumed. That means breaks should be short but occur often.
Although, many players are saying this is not enough. Cooling towels are being passed around between players and coaches.
Many players are saying it’s too hot to play with the schedule being the biggest concern.
Meanwhile, some teams are preparing for the heat by training in the elements. Real Madrid’s Miami training area includes heated tents with lamps that are meant to replicate what players will be feeling on the pitch.
How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Fans in open stadiums without coverage are already experiencing long wait times just to buy water. Many moved seats or were ushered into club sections just to escape the heat.
Heat illnesses are very serious and can affect anyone.
It’s important for everyone who is going to be exposed to heat for an extended period of time to take precautions.
1). Stay hydrated – Drink water often, even if you’re not thirsty.
2). Wear Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the direct light of the sun.
3). Limit Time Outside and In Direct Sunlight – Shaded areas are important.
4). Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses – These include nausea, confusion, dizziness, increased pulse, high body temps, and more. Monitor anyone who’s susceptible including young children, elderly people, those exercising and anyone suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure.
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Extreme Heat Forces Athletes & Fans to Adapt