Big East Tournament to be played without fans due to COVID-19

Following the lead of the NCAA and every other conference tournament, the Big East has announced that the remainder of the 2020 Big East Tournament will be played under a “restricted attendance policy.”

In short, only media, staff, and family members will be allowed at Madison Square Garden for the rest of the weekend.

The conference released a statement Wednesday night, which can be found below.

“NEW YORK — The BIG EAST Conference announced tonight that the remainder of the conference’s men’s basketball tournament, which continues tomorrow through Saturday, will be played under a restricted attendance policy. Attendees will be limited to student-athletes, coaches, event staff, essential team and conference staff, television personnel, credentialed media and immediate family members of the participating teams. Schools will be limited to 200 tickets per institution. The decision was made by the conference’s ten member institutions on a conference call this evening and follows the NCAA’s announcement earlier today that upcoming NCAA championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, will be conducted with only essential staff and limited family attendance. ”We have made this decision due to the rapid progression of COVID-19 and escalating developments nationally, as well as through guidance we have received from medical experts, local authorities and other sources,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. ”The support of our fans has made the BIG EAST Tournament one of the most exciting events in college basketball, but the health and well-being of our game participants is of paramount importance. We are very grateful to Madison Square Garden for their understanding and cooperation as we jointly manage a very difficult situation.” Full refunds for tickets purchased for the tournament will be available at the point of purchase.”