The 2020 NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be played like no other in recent memory, as all teams will be playing in empty arenas because of coronavirus fears, the NCAA announced Wednesday.
The move comes after an NCAA advisory panel’s recommendation against sporting events open to the public.
“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,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. He added: “This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
The tournament will only allow “essential staff”, “limited family attendance” and team athletic staff.
