TCU doing business as usual for Saturday’s basketball game amid coronavirus scare
TCU is doing business as usual when it comes to hosting Saturday’s men’s basketball game against Oklahoma amid the coronavirus scare.
Asked if the school has taken any extra measures, athletic director Jeremiah Donati said: “At this point no, but we’re watching closely and ready to adapt if necessary.”
Donati said the idea of playing the game without fans has not been discussed.
But the notion of playing games at stadiums without fans is under consideration for multiple sports leagues in the U.S. The Seattle Mariners are discussing contingency plans for their opening-day series against the Texas Rangers.
Johns Hopkins University said it will be hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament this weekend without fans, citing Maryland’s recently confirmed cases of coronavirus and based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance for large gatherings.
Similar measures have been taken in other countries such as Italy, Japan and Switzerland, among others.
COVID-19 has infected more than 93,000 people across 76 countries.
TCU (16-14, 7-10 Big 12) and Oklahoma (18-12, 8-9 Big 12) are playing for a bye in next week’s Big 12 tournament. The top six seeds receive a by in the league’s tournament.
Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. at Schollmaier Arena.
