NCAA Tournament: Closed To General Public Over Coronavirus Concerns

The NCAA has released an official statement saying that they will only allow limited attendance for the upcoming NCAA tournament. The official statement reads:

"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."

On the NCAA website, they also advise against attending sporting events in general. "COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the United States, and behavioral risk mitigation strategies are the best option for slowing the spread of this disease. This is especially important because mildly symptomatic individuals can transmit COVID-19. Given these considerations, coupled with a more unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 in older adults – especially those with underlying chronic medical conditions – we recommend against sporting events open to the public."

The NCAA tournament kicks of on March 17 in Dayton, Ohio. Information on the games is on the NCAA website.