BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) – The Pac-12 Conference is canceling its fall sports season.

“This was an extremely difficult and painful decision that we know will have important impacts on our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our fans,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “We know nothing will ease that.”

Earlier Tuesday, the Big Ten made a similar announcement.

The University of Colorado Boulder is a member of the Pac-12.

It’s a big blow to hotels, bars and restaurants in Boulder that rely on that tourism each fall. 

Mark Heinritz, who owns The Sink, says game days are among their busiest.

“Game day is typically very busy here,” he says. “Six of our biggest days of the year.” 

Heinritz says the decision is not a surprise, but says it will make it that much harder for businesses to survive the pandemic. 

“It’s definitely a big economic driver, and it’s definitely going to hurt,” he says. “Takeout and delivery is going to be a giant area for us to rely on to get through the winter.” 

CU officials published a statement on the university’s website about the decision.