BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced the remainder of the boys state basketball tournament, as well as other IHSA events, will still go on, but with severe attendance restrictions in response to the potential spread of the coronavirus.
The decision comes a day after the NBA suspended its season, and the NCAA announced that its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments would be held without fans.
The IHSA will limit each school to 60 spectators. This restriction is for the 1A and 2A state tournaments this weekend in Peoria. Goreville is the only area team to reach Peoria. The Blackcats will face Roanoke-Benson at 1:00 Friday in the second 1A semifinal. The limit also will be in effect for the remainder of the 3A and 4A tournaments, including the Mt. Vernon 3A Sectional championship Friday night between East St. Louis and Glenwood.
In a release, IHSA officials said this decision was made after consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health as well as the Peoria City/County Health Department, who made the recommendation that no more than 60 spectators per school be allowed in the arena for each contest.
“This was a difficult decision shaped by thoughtful deliberation set against a truly unprecedented backdrop,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “IHSA Basketball is America’s Original March Madness, and we recognize that this tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the competing teams, communities and fans. Ultimately though, we have to put the health and safety of the students, along with the general public, ahead of the spectacle of the event. This is and remains a fluid situation. It is important that our member schools and fans understand that events outside any of our control could lead to further changes over the coming hours and days.”
Other events associated with the boys state basketball tournaments have been impacted.
-Thursday’s team shootarounds at Carver Arena will not be open to the public.
-The Class 1A and 2A finals of the Country Financial Three-Point Showdown have been postponed.
-The March Madness Experience in the adjacent Peoria Civic Center exhibit halls will not open this weekend.
-Saturday’s Unified State Basketball Tournament held in conjunction with Special Olympics Illinois has been canceled.
-The Wheelchair Basketball State Tournament on March 20/21 has been canceled.
-The Learning From the Legends Clinic on March 21st has been canceled.
-The Student Section Showdown winner announcement has been postponed.
-All-State Team and IESA champion recognition will not occur.
The IHSA State Series in Debate, Drama & Group Interpretation, and Scholastic Bowl will also operate under restrictions, with those events being limited to competing students, coaches and essential meet personnel.
Full refunds will be available for any tickets already purchased for remaining events.
To read the full release, click here.