An NCAA statement just released says that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak is leading the organization to hold their men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, but without most spectators.
The NCAA Advisory Panel suggested that universities and tournament committees can still host games, but should not admit the general public to them.
As reported by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello:
New statement from the NCAA: “The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel … recommend[s] against sporting events open to the public. We do believe sport events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects our players, employees, and fans.”
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 11, 2020
Minutes later, President Mark Emmert followed up with this decision.
NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the NCAA Tournament, both men and women, will be played with only essential personnel in arenas.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 11, 2020
It’s official, basically essential personnel only at the NCAA Tournament pic.twitter.com/Uyqm1k0VbK
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) March 11, 2020