UPDATE MARCH 12: The American Athletic Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big Ten, Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Pac-12 Conference, the Southeastern Conference, the Southland Conference and the Western Athletic Conference announced Thursday that they are all canceling their men's basketball tournaments amid the coronavirus pandemic.
RELATED STORY: Several college basketball conferences cancel tournaments amid coronavirus outbreak
ORIGINAL STORY
March Madness is on, but the fans are out! The NCAA said the basketball tournament will be played in empty arenas to curb the spread of the coronavirus. This also applies to the PAC-12 men’s basketball tournament starting Thursday.
The NCAA today recommended that games or matches for al sporting events be held without fans due to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. They did clarify that essential personnel and some family members would still be allowed. The fans we spoke with today say they’re disappointed to hear the decision.
“I think it’s just one of those things that they’re being cautious, but I think things will calm down come summertime,” Doug Larner, an Arizona fan, said.
“It’s a little bit too much. Everybody goes to the grocery store. They go to restaurants. We’re always around people. Just wash your hands,” Sherry Mueller, a Colorado fan, said.
