Home College Basketball NCAA Basketball Tournaments to be Played Without Fans Due to Coronavirus Fears

NCAA Basketball Tournaments to be Played Without Fans Due to Coronavirus Fears

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NCAA Basketball Tournaments to be Played Without Fans Due to Coronavirus Fears
A Final Four trophy is on the floor while the floor for the official court of the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four is installed Friday March 23, 2018 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News

United States Sports Academy |

The NCAA announced today that upcoming men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be held without fans present due to fears related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

A NCAA President Mark Emmert reads: “The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our 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.”

Beginning next week the men’s Division 1 basketball tournament featuring 67 games will be played in empty arenas at 14 sites throughout the country.

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