NCAA Tournament closed off to fans due to coronavirus

by From The Associated Press
| March 11, 2020 2:59 PM

Next week’s games at Spokane Arena affected by decision

NCAA President Mark Emmert said NCAA Division I basketball tournament games will not be open to the general public because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Due to the decision, second and third round games — as well as Wednesday’s open practice sessions — at the Spokane Arena will be closed.

Emmert said he made the decision to conduct both the men’s and women’s tournaments, which begin next week, with only essential staff and limited family in attendance. The decision comes after the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel of medical experts recommended against playing sporting events open to the general public.

Emmert said the NCAA also was looking into moving the men’s Final Four from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium to a smaller arena.