NCAA Tournament Games, Including First Four at UD Arena, to Be Held Without Spectators

Cover photo of UD Arena from Shawn McLaws/Rooted Media

Michael Crouchley
Sports Editor

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that all indoor sporting events in the state of Ohio should be held without spectators due to ongoing concern about the spread of COVID-19. This includes the First Four at UD Arena, which kicks off the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

ATHLETICS: For indoor events, we are asking for no events with spectators other than the athletes, parents, and others essential to the game.

Right now, outdoor events can continue. #COVID19

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 10, 2020

NCAA president Mark Emmert followed this with an announcement Wednesday that the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be played without fans.

NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN

— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020

“This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes,” Emmert said.

Both Dayton men’s and women’s basketball will participate in the NCAA Tournament, and both teams will find out where their first round matchups are on Sunday and Monday respectively.

The men are competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament this week. The conference plans to hold the tournament as scheduled (with spectators).

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