NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships Now Closed to Spectators
Given the recent news of major cancellations caused by the Coronavirus outbreak, the Division II swimming and diving championships will go on without fans in the stands. The 2020 NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships started on Wednesday morning at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio as normal with fans in the stands. An NCAA record fell on Wednesday night as McKendree men and Queens women lead the way after day one.
The University of Indianapolis swimming and diving account tweeted an update that can be read below:
Given the concerns, our 2020 NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Swim & Dive Championships are now closed to the public. No spectators will be permitted. Our hosts are trying to secure an alternate location for fan viewing of the championships live stream.
— UIndy Swim & Dive (@UIndySwimDive) March 12, 2020
The UIndy Instagram account also updated that the NCAA digital, broadcast and media coordination teams will meet in the morning and will update with more information soon after.
The news comes on the same night where the National Basketball Association suspended the remainder of the regular season until further notice with Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert testing positive for the disease.
The NCAA also announced on Wednesday that the spring championships this month, including the Division I swimming and diving championships, would be held with only essential staff and close family members.
Multiple swim meets have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic including the YMCA National Championships and the Italian Olympic Trials.
Better than totally cutting it off like sectionals. Several teams traveled to it to find out by Twitter it was closed. Kids were trying to make times for the Omaha Cup. Pre trials for Olympics
I have heard that the athletes from CA can no longer swim and have to go home? NCAA needs to make a decision! This is not fair to have differedt rules for different schools, conferences or states!
everybody is going home