BREAKING: NCAA Tournament to be Played Without Fans

Wednesday, March 11, 2020
GoLocalPDX Sports Team

The 2020 NCAA Tournament will be played without fans due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the country, announced NCAA President Mark Emmert on Wednesday.

The tournament is scheduled to start on Tuesday, March 17 with the "First Four" in Dayton, Ohio. 

The first full day of games will take place on Thursday, March 19. 

The NCAA released the following statement:

The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. 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. 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.

This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families.

Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.