The men’s and women’s basketball NCAA Tournament will be held without fans in attendance, NCAA president Mark Emmert announced in a press release Wednesday.
Because of the coronavirus spread, only “essential staff and limited family attendance” will be allowed, Emmert said.
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.
Games between men’s teams in the First Four are scheduled to begin Tuesday and the first round is scheduled to begin two days later, March 19.
The women’s first round is scheduled to begin Friday, March 20.
The men’s Final Four and championship game is scheduled for April 4 and 6, respectively, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The women’s Final Four and championship game is scheduled for April 3 and 5 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
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.