The NCAA has made a decision that they have never had to make, not allow fans to watch the most watched basketball tournament in the world.
March Madness will be a lot different this year. The general public will not be allowed to attend any NCAA basketball tournament game, men’s or women’s due to the COVID-19 virus.
Mark Emmert, President of the NCAA, released the statement below.
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/GrPbmZx5N6 pic.twitter.com/PFFh9htixR — Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 11, 2020
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/GrPbmZx5N6 pic.twitter.com/PFFh9htixR
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 11, 2020
Now the question becomes where do the games get played. The NCAA could end up reciprocating the Final Four.
Mark Emmert says the NCAA is looking to move the Final Four out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a smaller venue in Atlanta. Regional sites could also be moved from the currently scheduled arenas to smaller venues in same cities. The plan is to keep sites for the 1st round as is. — Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) March 11, 2020
Mark Emmert says the NCAA is looking to move the Final Four out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a smaller venue in Atlanta.
Regional sites could also be moved from the currently scheduled arenas to smaller venues in same cities.
The plan is to keep sites for the 1st round as is.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) March 11, 2020
As for the NCAA games being on TV. Emmert says no change in television coverage.
NCAA prez Emmert said no changes are expected to the way CBS/Turner will televise games. Other media will be allowed into the arena, but how much is still being determined. — Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) March 11, 2020
NCAA prez Emmert said no changes are expected to the way CBS/Turner will televise games.
Other media will be allowed into the arena, but how much is still being determined.