The recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now prevented fans from attending the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
NCAA President Mark Emmert released a statement on Wednesday stating that only essential staff and limited family will be allowed to attend games. However, the situation will continue to be monitored and adjustments will be made on an as-needed basis.
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020
Public health officials are taking the necessary steps to prevent large crowd gatherings in fear of the COVID-19 progressing in the United States. There was a legitimate chance that March Madness would be canceled completely, but ultimately Emmert felt confident to continue the event under these special circumstances after discussions with the Board of Governors.
A separate postseason inaugural tournament, the College Basketball Invitational, has canceled completely.
Statement regarding the 2020 CBI pic.twitter.com/5SPabjpC1V
— College BBall Invit. (@CBITourney) March 11, 2020
Although the College Basketball Invitational is on the lower tier of importance in terms of postseason tournaments compared to the NCAA Tournament and National Invitation Tournament, the cancellation speaks volumes in terms of what is to come with sporting events over the next several months.
Not having fans in attendance throughout the NCAA tournament will impact each team significantly. Texas still has a chance to become an at-large bid into the tournament, although fan attendance has not been their strong suit this season.