March Madness will have a very different feel this month, as the NCAA has announced both the men's and women's basketball tournaments will be played without fans due to the concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.
"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States," NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement, adding only limited family and essential staff will be allowed at games. "This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes."
The NCAA tournament has turned into massive business, pulling in roughly $933 million in overall ad revenue, according to AdWeek.
The NBA announced Wednesday it is suspending the season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive.
The league was previously mulling over what to do as it was expecting to play its first game Thursday nigth with no players.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that due to new state rules over mass gatherings, home games will be closed to the public, with admission only to team personnel, media and essential club and NHL staff.
The next three homes games for the San Jose Sharks will also be played to an empty arena.
Meanwhile the world figure skating championships in Montreal this month have been cancelled because virus.
Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann gave the news in the provincial legislature and Skate Canada said in a statement that they "fully respect the difficult decision made today."
In baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays announced personnel and fans are being advised high-fives, handshakes and exchanging items hand-to-hand for autographs.