The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine announce this afternoon that the state of Ohio will be limiting all indoor sporting events to athletes, parents, and other necessary persons. This would include coaching staff and as the governor put it, “others essential to the game.” This is coming as a response to more confirmed cases of Coronavirus not just around the country but in the state of Ohio. The Buckeye state currently has three (3) confirmed cases.
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
This action will have a noticeable effect on the early games of the 2020 NCAA Tournament. The “First Four” games are played in Dayton and Cleveland will be hosting “First Round” and “Second Round” games as well. The Ivy League canceled their conference tournament already and more states may be limiting crowds at events in the future as the Coronavirus situation unfolds.