Wed, Aug 5th, 2020 - 6:28pm
March 11, 2020 - 4:15pm | By Chris Larson
NCAA President Mark Emmert has announced that the upcoming NCAA championships will be conducted with only essential staff and limited family attendance, due to the serious COVID-19 outbreak.
The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon. The announcement specifically mentioned the NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. According to sources close to the information, this also includes NCAA Division 1 ice hockey tournaments.
Michael Weisman, Communications Director for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, of which UND plays in, says the conference is still planning to hold its Frozen Faceoff at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center--with fans.
"We are in contact with Xcel Energy Center," Weisman told WZFG Radio Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, Emmert says, “While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes.”
Emmert went on to recognize the fact that this is an achievement players don’t have very often.
“We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”
North Dakota State University qualified for the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament via an 89-53 win over rival UND Tuesday night in the Summit League Championship game in Sioux Falls, S.D.
A request for comment from NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen was not immediately returned Wednesday afternoon. WZFG News also reached out to the NCAA and have not received a response from officials either.
