Coronavirus Forces NCAA Games At MSG To Be Played Without Fans

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NY — When the NCAA Tournament tips off in Madison Square Garden for March Madness' east regional the "mecca" of basketball will resemble a ghost town.

Attendance at all of this year's NCAA Tournament games will be limited to "essential staff and limited family" to protect fans and players from the spread of coronavirus, NCAA President Mark Emmert announced Wednesday. The decision is being made for both the men's and women's tournaments.

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"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is made based on the current understand of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. The decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes," Emmert said in a statement.

Madison Square Garden was set to host two days worth of games in "sweet sixteen" and "elite eight" rounds of the tournament's east regional on March 27 and 29.

College basketball fans who wish to catch a game at Madison Square Garden may still have an option. The Big East conference tournament is set to begin at the venue on Wednesday night. A spokesperson for the conference did not respond to Patch's inquiries about and precautions being taken at the tournament due to coronavirus.

The NCAA Tournament's field of 68 for its men's tournament will be selected on Sunday after conference tournaments wrap up. The women's field of 64 will be announced on Monday. Games begin the following Tuesday.

The NCAA did not specify who will be considered "limited family" for attendance at tournament games.