NCAA To Allow 25% Fan Attendance at Upcoming Championships

The NCAA announced Tuesday it will allow up to 25% capacity for its 2021 winter championships and the Division I fall championships being held in the spring.

All attendees must wear face coverings and physically distance during events, and thorough cleaning, disinfecting and safety measures will take place.

The capacities for the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball Tournaments were announced Friday.

Exact capacity percentages will vary by site and will depend on state and local health mandates.

NCAA Chief Medical Officer Brian Hainline said team testing and safety protocols will remain consistent and said the top priority of all championships remains the safety and well-being of all involved.

“Our partnership with state and local health authorities will continue to be vital to providing safe championship experiences,” Hainline said. “Each championship site presents different circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, allow varied capacities."

Championships hosted in cities and states that do not permit spectators will allow only essential personnel within the competition venue, the NCAA said.

In cities where spectators are permitted, championships will allow any percentage up to 25% of overall venue capacity.

Senior Vice President of Championships Joni Comstock said this year’s championships may be different but that the NCAA is committed to providing a memorable experience for all student-athletes.

“The national office is working very hard to provide the best experience possible for student-athletes who missed out on these championship opportunities last year,” Comstock said.

All events will also be livestreamed so fans will have the opportunity to experience the competition.

Capacity for spring championships will be determined as COVID-19 is monitored, the NCAA said.