As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the country and globe, the sports world has faced serious decisions to make when it comes to major events. In Europe, several UEFA Champions League matches were held without fans in empty stadiums. And with March Madness just a week away, the NCAA has finally provided its answer.
The NCAA tournament will go on as scheduled … but without fans.
NCAA president Mark Emmert released a statement on Wednesday, announcing his decision for the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments along with all upcoming championship events. The games will be closed to all fans except “essential staff and limited family attendance.”
With the increased pressure from health officials, this wasn’t necessarily a surprise on the NCAA’s part. But the idea that March Madness will be played without fans will indeed be different. It will make for some odds scenes across the country and in the Final Four.
College basketball fans had plenty to say about the decision — some had jokes and others offered a more serious perspective.
