Updated March 12, 2020
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Athletics has remained in regular communication with University and Big Ten leadership to monitor developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). In response to decisions announced today by the University, Penn State Athletics will implement new attendance protocols for home competitions and events.
The following measures will be in place effective Wednesday, March 11 through Friday, April 3, at which time they will be re-evaluated:
- All Penn State home competitions and practices will occur as originally scheduled.
- Attendance at all Penn State home athletic events will be limited (for both Penn State and its opponents) to:
- Essential personnel as designated by Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics;
- Participating student-athletes, coaches and staff;
- Families of participating student-athletes, coaches and staff;
- Media;
- Penn State recruits.
Regarding the Big Ten Men's Hockey semifinal game Saturday versus Minnesota, refunds will be offered. A communication will be forthcoming to all of those who have purchased through Penn State or Minnesota ticket offices or TicketMaster for the event.
Fans who already have purchased tickets to any affected competition can contact the Penn State Ticket Office at 1-800-NITTANY with questions.
Fan attendance at road competitions will be in coordination with the respective opponents' attendance policies.
We regret that our fans will not be able to attend the affected home events. However, many of those competitions will be shown live on Big Ten Network, the ESPN family of networks or BTN2Go.
Football-Related Activities Postponed
We are postponing all football-related activities until further notice. We are assessing this rapidly evolving situation with the health and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and community as the priority. We will continue to seek guidance from University leadership, health experts and local authorities in making decisions. This postponement includes, but is not limited to practice, recruiting, media availabilities, Pro Day and any other football-related activities. A final decision on the annual Blue-White Game, scheduled for April 18, has not been made.
Please know that these measures were taken with an abundance of caution for the health and well-being of our student-athletes, staff, community and event guests as the priority. Penn State Athletics will continue to take direction from the University and its COVID-19 task force that meets daily to assess the coronavirus situation and its effect on our campus and community, with recommendations from health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unusual time.
Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Canceled
The Big Ten Conference announced March 12 that it will be canceling the remainder of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament, effective immediately.
The Big Ten Conference will use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main priority of the Big Ten Conference continues to be the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus.
Additional Information
As the situation surrounding the coronavirus constantly evolves, updates will be posted as they become available on GoPSUsports.com, as well as on our Twitter (@GoPSUsports).
The University has established a website that offers the latest information and guidance to the Penn State community. For more information, please go to: https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/.
Penn State Athletics are taking preventive measures. These include but are not limited to:
- Cleaning and disinfecting of exposed surfaces.
- Posted reminders to cover coughing and sneezing and to frequently wash hands with soap and water.
- Providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility.
Guests attending Penn State Athletics events are strongly urged to observe the following recommendations:
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Thoroughly wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60-95 percent alcohol, if soap and water aren't available.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Refrain from shaking hands, high-fives and other close personal contact.