STILLWATER – Should Oklahoma State make the NCAA Tournament in March, Cowboy fans will be able to watch in person. The NCAA announced on Friday it will be allowing up to 25% capacity for all rounds, including the Final Four, with social distancing in place in conjunction with Indiana state and local authorities.
However, the 25% capacity also includes all participants, essential staff and family members of each competing team.
“The number one priority for decisions around the tournament continues to be the safety and well-being of everyone participating in the event,” said NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline. “We have been in regular conversations with the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and local health officials to make sure we have the right protocols in place to provide a safe environment. Additionally, IU Health is providing critical testing and monitoring services enabling us to safely conduct the tournament.”
March Madness will be held in its entirety in the state of Indiana and hosted by Ball State, Butler, the Horizon League, Indiana, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue. The Indiana Convention Center will be used as a practice facility for teams, with multiple practice courts being set up inside the venue.
“We continue to use the knowledge we have gained over the season on how to conduct games in a safe environment,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “I want to thank our host universities and conferences, the Indiana State Health Department, and the leaders in the Marion, Monroe and Tippecanoe county health departments as they help make that possible.”
According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the Cowboys are currently an No. 8 seed taking on No. 9 San Diego State. While being in the tournament would be great, if Lunardi’s version of the bracket came true, the Pokes would be playing No. 1 seed Gonzaga in the next round should they get past San Diego State. That’s a tough match-up no matter who the team is going up against Gonzaga.
