Coronavirus Updates Ncaa Tournament First Four Games In Ohio To Be Played Without Spectators

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Wednesday an impending state order in regard to “mass gatherings” in the state of Ohio. That will include the NCAA men’s basketball tournament games, which will be closed to the public. The First Four will be on March 17-18. The first- and second-round games will run March 19-22.

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It’s the latest measure taken by DeWine since the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Cleveland on Monday. Other measures taken in response to the coronavirus include The MAC Tournament (also held in Cleveland) being closed to the general public, as well as Ohio limiting ticket sales for the state high school wrestling and girls’ basketball tournaments.

The NCAA has not rendered a decision on attendance rules for first- and second-round games.