DETROIT (97.1 The Ticket) -- The NCAA Men's Hockey Frozen Four is expected to be held without fans in the stands at Little Caesars Arena next month.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, NCAA President Mark Emmert announced upcoming NCAA championship events will be conducted with only essential staff and limited family members in attendance, as officials continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19.
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/GrPbmZx5N6 pic.twitter.com/PFFh9htixR
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 11, 2020That immediately affects the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, scheduled to get underway next week. Unless things change in the next month, the Frozen Four, scheduled for April 9 and 11 in Detroit, will likely be under the same restrictions.
"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes," Emmert said in the statement.
Officials say they are continuing to monitor the "rapidly evolving" coronavirus situation.
The NCAA Hockey Tournament is scheduled to start on March 27.
The NCAA announced on Twitter Wednesday evening its policy for refunding customers who bought tickets from an official NCAA Championship vendor.
Updated ticket information for NCAA Championship events closed to public.MORE INFO: https://t.co/vf6C2iRR66 pic.twitter.com/rWy36kxCHO
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 11, 2020
