120-Fan Limit Placed On High School Basketball Games In Illinois

UPDATE: The Illinois High School Association announced the cancellation of all remaining winter state series tournaments Thursday evening.

BLOOMINGTON, IL — The Illinois High School Association announced plans to limit attendance to 60 spectators per school, 120 total per game, for all remaining basketball games in the 2020 season. The changes will affect all boys basketball state championship tournaments, which begin Friday in Peoria.

IHSA officials made the decision to limit attendance to reduce the potential for spread of the new coronavirus after consulting with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Peoria Health Department, according to a release. IHSA is the private nonprofit that governs high school sports in Illinois. It said local public health officials recommended the spectator cap.

"This was a difficult decision shaped by thoughtful deliberation set against a truly unprecedented backdrop," Executive Director Craig Anderson said. "IHSA Basketball is America’s Original March Madness, and we recognize that this tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the competing teams, communities and fans. Ultimately though, we have to put the health and safety of the students, along with the general public, ahead of the spectacle of the event. "

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Participating schools will be provided a protocol for allocating tickets to the 60 fans allowed, according to the release. Full refunds will be available for people who have already purchased tickets.

"This is and remains a fluid situation. It is important that our member schools and fans understand that events outside any of our control could lead to further changes over the coming hours and days," Anderson said.

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In addition to the upcoming basketball state finals, fans will be restricted from the IHSA state tournaments for debate, drama/group interpretation and scholastic bowl. Attendance at those event will be limited to competing coaches and students, as well as essential meet personnel, according to the release.