NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament games, including those next week at Amalie Arena, will not be played in front of fans due to concerns over coronavirus.
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In a statement on Wednesday, NCAA President Mark Emmert said the decision was made “in the best interest of public health.”
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020
Emmert said the only essential staff, and the players’ families, will be permitted to attend.
The decision comes after the NCAA's COVID-19 advisory panel recommended against playing sporting events open to the general public.
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Emmert also says the NCAA is looking into moving the men's Final Four from Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to a smaller arena.
Tampa will host first- and second-round NCAA Men’s Tournament games on March 19 and 21 at Amalie Arena.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
