The UEFA European Championship, still called Euro 2020 despite a one-year delay, kicks off today as Italy hosts Turkey at Rome's Stadio Olimpico (3pm ET, ESPN).
What's happening: Unlike any of the previous 15 iterations, this year's tournament will be a pan-continental affair, with Rome acting as just one of 11 host cities.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) said Thursday it would allow Ukraine players to wear new jerseys that display a map of Crimea, despite Russia's objections, Reuters reports.
Why it matters: As of last month, Russia had only withdrawn a few thousand troops from its border with Ukraine, after the country amassed its highest number of troops in the region since annexing Crimea in 2014, per the New York Times.
22 of 30 MLB stadiums will increase to 100% capacity by the end of the month, and all but five stadiums will fill up by the end of the Fourth of July weekend.
By the numbers: On Opening Day (April 1), only the Astros (50%) and Rangers (100%) filled their stadiums at least halfway.
As cases continue dropping in Japan, officials are considering allowing domestic spectators into next month's Olympics.
Why it matters: Just over a month ago, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said she was prepared to hold the Games in front of empty stadiums, reports the Asahi Shimbun.
