Maryland athletics bans fans from home games amid COVID-19 concerns

Shortly after the NCAA announced it would not allow fans at either the men’s or women’s tournaments, Maryland athletics made its first official statement regarding COVID-19 concerns.

“Effective immediately, only student-athletes, coaches, essential personnel, officials, credentialed media and a limited number of family members of the competing teams will be permitted to attend games, until at least April 10,” Maryland athletics wrote in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Practices for in-season sports, home and away games will still take place, but student-athletes who do not feel comfortable doing so will be excused from participating in team activities, according to the release. Any international recruiting activities, out-of-season competitions and travel, as well as off-season practices, will be canceled for the week of March 23.

There will be also be increased sanitation of locker rooms, equipment and commonly touched surfaces, according to the statement.

The University of Maryland announced Tuesday that students will get an extra week of spring break. Then, from March 30 until at least April 9, classes will be held online and students will be unable to return to campus.

The Maryland Ticket Office will be in touch with any fans who have purchased tickets to share information regarding refunds.

“This is the most accurate information we have at this time and is subject to change as we move forward in this rapidly evolving environment,” the department wrote in the statement. “We will continue to be in contact with campus, conference and health officials to help guide our decision-making.”