March Madness without fans IS madness!!!
In response to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, the NCAA announced Wednesday that fans will not be able to attend its championships including the 2020 men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments.
“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.”
Mark Emmert
NCAA President
The decision was made in conjunction and with advisement from the CDC, and with the NCAA’s recently-formed advisory panel which consists of experts in the public health, epidemiology and medical fields.
It took many by surprise in the industry, including Baylor players at the Big 12 Tournament.
“I will say it is kind of a reality check.”
Freddie Gillespie
Baylor Senior
“It’s definitely shocking just to hear this…….Having fans do make the experience a little bit better. It’s very unfortunate. I pray that they do find a cure. It’s something that we’ll just to adapt to.”
Devonte Bandoo
Baylor Senior
Had the NCAA not taken this step, it’s possible that individual host sites may have arrived at the decision to ban fans sooner rather than later. Earlier on Wednesday, for instance, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that NCAA Tournament games in Ohio — the First Four in Dayton and first and second round games in Cleveland — would proceed as planned but without fans, promising an executive order in the coming days to enforce such a decision. The Big West and MAC had already announced they would play their postseason tournaments without fans.
2020 NCAA Tournament games to be played without fans in attendance due to threat of coronavirus
Calamity Jane