NCAA cancels March Madness entirely because of the coronavirus

NCAA made the announcement Wednesday afternoon

ROANOKE, Va. – The NCAA announced on Thursday that March Madness will be canceled.

This comes after earlier in the day, games were going to be played with no fans.

The Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

Below is the statement from the NCAA:

Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.

NCAA

ORIGINAL STORY

It’s going to be a lot quieter in arenas across the country later this month.

The NCAA announced on Wednesday that all championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be played with no fans.

Only essential staff and limited family will be allowed to attend these events.

“We do believe sport events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects our players, employees, and fans,” according to the NCAA.