NCAA President Mark Emmert in a statement this afternoon said upcoming championship events, including the NCAA Tournament, will be held with "only essential staff and limited family in attendance." Emmert said this decision came after input from the NCAA COVID-19 advisory panel and NCAA BOG, and it is in the "best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes" (NCAA).
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine earlier today said that he would make an order in the next day that will "keep spectators from attending NCAA tournament events in Dayton and Cleveland" in the coming days (DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 3/11). UD Arena at the Univ. of Dayton is scheduled to host First Four games next Tuesday and Wednesday, while Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is scheduled to host first- and second-round NCAA Tournament games on March 20 and 22 (THE DAILY). ESPN's Seth Greenberg said games being played without spectators will "not have a major impact” on the teams and players because “you’re playing for something” in terms of a national championship. He added, “Obviously, we’re dealing with something that's much bigger than basketball” (ESPN, 3/11).
MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said having to hold the conference's men's and women's basketball tournaments without fans is "horribly disappointing." Steinbrecher: "Once you get the information from the director of the state board of health and the governor, I'm not sure you're left with a lot of options. There's a bit of a black cloud over my head this morning, mitigated only by the fact we get to have our teams compete. That's the most important thing: It's about the student-athletes. But, golly, you work all year on these things, you make plans, people set their vacation plans, then to have to change that at the last minute, it hurts" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 3/11).
Meanwhile, Ivy League presidents today announced a unanimous decision to cancel all spring athletics practice and competition through the remainder of the academic year (Ivy League).
