BASKETBALL: SPECTATOR RESTRICTIONS FOR FRIDAY’S FINALS
Thursday | Mar. 12, 2020
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s 2020 State Basketball Tournament will play Friday’s games with spectator restrictions due to increasing concern of the spread and impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The consolations and finals set for Friday, March 13 at Wells Fargo Arena will be played as currently scheduled.
The IHSAA will provide additional updates to this strategy should they be necessary. Thursday’s games will continue as scheduled and are currently without spectator restriction. The IHSAA has coordinated with health officials, state and local government, and Iowa Events Center throughout this week’s event, with updated guidance requiring these measures.
Only team members, game officials, credentialed media members, essential tournament workers, Iowa Events Center staff, and select school spectators (see below) will be allowed inside the facility. Those spectators will be asked to leave the facility once their game is complete.
Other spectators and previously scheduled award recipients and visitors will not be permitted.
The IHSAA acknowledges these updates are inconvenient and unprecedented. The understanding of member schools and communities is sincerely appreciated.
The remaining games will be available to view through the Iowa High School Sports Network’s coverage. The IHSSN has television coverage for semifinals and finals, free live streaming, and a free downloadable app to view the games. Visit ihssn.com/basketball or ihssn.com/live for viewing information.
The IHSAA staff will also provide frequent updates on the games through its website and social media platforms.
Spectators who purchased tickets in advance of Friday’s games at Wells Fargo Arena will be refunded at the point of purchase.
The IHSAA will continue working with health officials to determine adjustments or preventative measures for the upcoming spring sports seasons. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Team & Family Spectator Information
Each of Friday’s participating schools will be allowed up to 100 total entrants, free of charge. The 100 total include the official team traveling party. The IHSAA recommends these entrants are immediate family members of your traveling party.
Participating schools are required to submit a list of names for those attending.
School administrators should send those lists in one document to ttharp@iahsaa.org before their games and bring printed copies upon check-in. Spectators will be checked in as a group 30 minutes prior to tipoff at the north entrance of Wells Fargo Arena.
Media Credential Update
Only select media will be allowed entry on Friday. Those include: 1. Radio outlets who have already purchased audio rights from the Iowa High School Sports Network; 2. Print, TV, or other outlets covering specific teams or games.
Radio outlets should display and scan their rights tickets. All other outlets and individuals must email Chris Cuellar to request entry: ccuellar@iahsaa.org.
Media members should continue to use the VIP/Media door in the NW corner of Wells Fargo Arena for entry. Those approved will be expected to leave the facility once their game coverage is complete.
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CONTACT Tom Keating, executive director, tkeating@iahsaa.org; Chris Cuellar, communications director, ccuellar@iahsaa.org.
