2020 NCAA Tournament Games To Be Played Without Fans Due To Coronavirus
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The NCAA 2020 men's and women's tournament basketball games — including the men's West Regional at Staples Center — will be held without spectators due to concerns over the coronavirus, the organization announced Wednesday.
NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement that March Madness games will be held "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," he said. "This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes."
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020
"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."
The men's tournament West Regional is scheduled for March 26-28 at Staples Center.
No women's tournament games are scheduled in California.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)