Ohio Governor Bans Spectators at Indoor Sports Events

High school, college, professional sports likely face Coronavirus impact

Sporting events in the State of Ohio will not escape the reach of the widespread concern over a potential Coronavirus outbreak in the wake of Ohio State University's decision to cancel in-person classes this month and a decision from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Wednesday afternoon.

One day after appearing at a news conference to confirm the diagnosis of three Coronavirus cases in Ohio, DeWine Tweeted his preference Tuesday that "there be NO spectators allowed for indoor sports activities, including high school, college and professional teams," in the state.

Wednesday, the governor went further and announced a spectator ban on all indoor sporting events, including the NCAA First Four in Dayton and NCAA first- and second-round games in Cleveland next week, as well as NHL games in Columbus.

Public attendance at this coming weekend's Mid-American Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments at Rocket Mortgage Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, had already been banned by the MAC in the hours following DeWine's Tuesday announcement.

OSU President Michael Drake informed students in a campus-wide email on Monday night of the cancellation of all in-person classes through March 30.

Drake's email to students, who are on Spring Break until Monday, read: 

"While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, we know that there are at least three confirmed cases in the state of Ohio, and we expect that there will be more," Drake's email read. "We are being proactive in an effort to prevent illness and continue the important work of the university."

Ohio State is also prohibiting the scheduling of "new, non-essential events" through April 20, and said organizers for events between now and then should "immediately evaluate whether these events should continue in person."

That could impact Ohio State's spring football game scheduled for Ohio Stadium on April 11, although OSU could still hold that outdoor event and not be in conflict with DeWine's precautionary recommendation.

DeWine and state officials announced three confirmed cases of the virus were discovered in Cleveland, 140 miles from Columbus, on Monday.

Wednesday, a fourth case was confirmed in Stark County in a person who had not travelled outside the State of Ohio.

OSU has also cancelled all university-related international travel.

Ohio State is scheduled to play in the Big Ten men's basketball tournament in Indianapolis at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association is scheduled to hold the girls basketball state tournament Thursday-Saturday at St. John Arena on the OSU campus and the state wrestling tournament Friday-Sunday at nearby Value City Arena, home of the OSU men's and women's basketball teams.

The OHSAA, in response to DeWine's recommendation, voided all previously-sold tickets to its state championships and will now allow each competing player only four tickets to share with others and attend games or matches.

The Mid-American Conference banned public attendance at its events in Cleveland this weekend and will refund ticket-holders who previously planned to attend.

Ohio State is scheduled to play Michigan in the Big Ten hockey tournament semifinals Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation, with the understanding it evolves daily," OSU spokesman Jerry Emig said. "We are maintaining our current schedule at this time."

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