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UPDATE 3/12/2020 (8:55 AM): Like most other conferences across the country, the SEC ruled last night that the rest of the SEC Tournament would be played with attendance restrictions. This ruling also caries over to all SEC athletic events until the end of March.
The @SEC has announced that all events will be conducted with attendance restrictions through at least March 30th.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 12, 2020
Commissioner @GregSankey joined SEC Now to discuss: pic.twitter.com/VNy6wqXBTj
It’s not yet clear how this will affect people who have bought tickets to these events, either from the schools directly or via the secondary market.
The NBA took even further steps to combat the spread of COVID-19, fully suspending its season last night. A member of the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert, tested positive for COVID-19, and had played in multiple games over the last two weeks (the possible length of the infectious incubation period).
Other professional sports leagues, including the MLB, have begun exploring similar measures for their upcoming season. Even the WWE is trying to determine whether they will hold WrestleMania in a few weeks.
Wild times, indeed.
The NCAA ruled moments ago that the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Limited personnel and family will be allowed to be in attendance.
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/GrPbmZx5N6 pic.twitter.com/PFFh9htixR
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 11, 2020
If you’ve been under a rock the last few weeks, this is in response to the growing COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic.
It’s not known how this will affect the SEC Tournament or other spring sports.
We’ll share more details as they become available, but if you were planning on going to see Auburn play in the NCAA Tournament, unfortunately those plans are cancelled.
Stay safe, everyone.