Ohio Governor: NCAA Tourney Games In State Will Be Played Without Spectators Due To Coronavirus
Mar 11, 2020, 2:03 PM | Updated: 2:51 pm
Jarvis Summers #32 of the Mississippi Rebels sits on the court in the closing seconds against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 17, 2015 in Dayton, Ohio. The Rebels defeated the Cougars 94-90. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced a state order regarding coronavirus concerns and stated that NCAA Tournament games in the state will be played without spectators.
DeWine’s order prohibiting mass gatherings in Ohio was announced on Wednesday, March 11.
The games affected by the coronavirus related order include the first round of the NCAA tourney.
The governor of Ohio further clarified: The state will issue an order that NCAA tournament games in Ohio, which included the First Four in Dayton, will be played without spectators.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 11, 2020
“This seems difficult for people,” said DeWine. “We know what’s around the corner. Everything looks the same, but it’s really not.”
Again: No fans for NCAA tournament games in Dayton and Cleveland next week, per a state order.
“This seems difficult for people," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. "But we know what’s coming. We know what’s around the corner. … Everything looks the same, but it’s really not.”
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 11, 2020
The first two games of the NCAA Tournament are scheduled to be played on March 17 and 18 in Dayton, Ohio.
Cleveland is scheduled to host tourney games on March 20 and 22.
The NCAA has yet to release an official statement regarding the games.
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