Big East Tournament Continues Under Restricted Attendance Policy

Nick Bello, Sports Editor • March 12, 2020

The Big East Conference announced Wednesday night that the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden will continue under a restricted attendance policy. According to a statement released by the conference, attendance for the remainder of the tournament will be restricted to, “student-athletes, coaches, event-staff, essential team and conference staff, television personnel, credentialed media and immediate family of the participating teams.” The conference also said that each school will be limited to 200 attendees. Fans who purchased tickets to the tournament will receive a full refund.

“We have made this decision due to the rapid progression of COVID-19 and escalating developments nationally, as well as through guidance we have received from medical experts, local authorities and other sources,” Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman said in a statement.

The St. John’s Athletics Department did not respond immediately to a request for comment

The news comes after St. John’s defeated Georgetown University in the first round of the tournament Wednesday night, in what would be the last time fans would get to watch this year’s tournament from the stands. With the Red Storm’s win Wednesday night, they will move on to the quarterfinals where they will face-off against Creighton University Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

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About the Contributor

Nick Bello, Photo Editor

Nick Bello is a senior who has been with the Torch since his freshman year as Assistant Photo Editor, Social Media Manager, Sports Editor, and now Photo Editor. Nick has had the opportunity to intern with the St. John’s Athletics Department the past two years as a photographer, where he has shot countless games and events. His work has been featured on numerous websites and social media accounts, as well as the Providence Journal. Nick has a strong passion for photography and is excited to display that passion in the Torch every week. You can reach Nick at [email protected].