MAC closes tourneys to general public after Ohio governor's recommendation; Blue Jackets home games to continue with fans

Hours after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recommended that sporting events at indoor facilities in the state take place without spectators, the MAC announced that its postseason basketball tournament in Cleveland will continue as scheduled but will be closed to the general public. 

As part of the restricted attendance policy, only "credentialed institutional personnel, student-athlete family members, credentialed media, television and radio crews, and official team party members will be permitted for attendance for the tournaments."

"The safety of all is our greatest concern," MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher said in a statement. "Since January, I have stated that any decision would follow the advice of state governmental officials and medical professionals. Following the feedback we received today we have taken this action which is in alignment with the recommendation of Governor DeWine."

The tournament begins Wednesday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and continues through Sunday. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets, meanwhile, will play their home games Thursday and Saturday in front of fans, they announced Tuesday.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are aware of the recommendation by Governor DeWine," the team said in a statement. "We have been in contact with the National Hockey League and, given the facts before us, it has been determined that our scheduled games, including this Thursday vs. Pittsburgh and Saturday vs. Nashville, will go on as scheduled and be open to ticketed fans that wish to attend."

In response to DeWine's recommendation, the NCAA issued a statement Tuesday that read, "The NCAA continues to assess how COVID-19 impacts the conduct of our tournaments and events. We are consulting with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel, who are leading experts in epidemiology and public health, and will make decisions in the coming days."

Dayton Arena is scheduled to host the NCAA First Four March 17-18, and Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland is set to host first- and second-round men's and women's NCAA games.

Ohio State is scheduled to host Michigan at Nationwide Arena in the Big Ten men's hockey semifinals on Sunday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers just began a long road trip and do not have a home game until March 24.

DeWine declared a state of emergency and said it had confirmed its first three cases of the coronavirus and continues to test for additional cases. Ohio State University has announced its classes will be conducted online for at least until March 30.