:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66485602/149123061.jpg.0.jpg)
This had gained an air of inevitability over the past couple of days, but it’s now official: There will be no fans in attendance at this year’s NCAA Tournament.
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/GrPbmZx5N6 pic.twitter.com/PFFh9htixR
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 11, 2020
Under the circumstances, this was probably the correct move for all involved. There are very real concerns about the possibility of packed arenas leading to the spread of COVID-19; on the other hand, this option doesn’t deprive student-athletes of the opportunity to play in the tournament.
No word on whether the SEC Tournament or some of the other conference tournaments going on this week will still allow fans to attend.