NCAA cancels March Madness over coronavirus. No basketball tournament in Sacramento

There will no March Madness in Sacramento this year — or anywhere else, for that matter.

The NCAA canceled its men’s basketball tournament Thursday, citing the risk from the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement came one day after the NCAA said the games would go on, but without any fans. But with venues across the nation scrapping events — the NBA, NHL and MLS have suspended their seasons, and Major League Baseball is delaying its Opening Day — the organization said running the tournament was no longer practical.

NCAA President Mark Emmert said the women’s basketball tournament, as well as “all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” had been shelved as well.

The NCAA said ticket buyers will get refunds.

The cancellation furthers the economic damage in Sacramento. The tournament was expected to draw thousands of fans to Golden 1 Center. Even if the tournament had proceeded without fans, officials at Visit Sacramento said they expected players, coaches and other officials would still fill hundreds of hotel rooms.

The first two rounds of the men’s tournament were scheduled for March 20 and 22. The arena has already lost an undetermined number of NBA games, and at least three concerts.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 3:05 PM.