SEC restricting attendance at sporting events

UPDATE: The SEC has now canceled the men’s basketball tournament due to coronavirus concerns.

The SEC will play the rest of its men’s basketball tournament in front of a basically empty house at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The league is joining other major conferences and only allowing essential staff, limited family, and some media members in to watch the games.

“In light of recent developments beyond our control related to the spread of the coronavirus, including a recommendation from the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel, and after consultation with our member universities, we have made the difficult decision to hold the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville without spectators beginning with games of Thursday, March 12. Effective immediately, the policy will also apply to other SEC Championship events and on-campus regular season games scheduled through at least the end of March,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said.

Mizzou was scheduled to start its SEC Tournament run against Texas A&M on Thursday night.

Mizzou athletics will still host sporting events as scheduled through at least the end of March, but with no fans.

“We are dealing with a rapidly changing and very fluid situation and the safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is paramount. At this time, Mizzou’s athletic teams are continuing to prepare for postseason and regular season completion as scheduled. Daily team activities and practices will continue until further notice and we continue to monitor developments,” MU athletic director Jim Sterk said.