UIL Boys State Basketball Tournament taking place with limited attendance
AUSTIN, Texas - The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has announced that the UIL Boys State Basketball Tournament will be taking place with limited attendance amid growing concerns over the coronavirus COVID-19.
In a news release, UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt says, "The health and safety of our student-athletes and patrons is our number one priority. While we are saddened to limit the fans that can be inside the arena supporting their teams, it is crucial we take every possible precaution to keep participants safe."
The following daily procedures were released by officials for limited attendance:
For Thursday and Friday (3/12-3/13):
- Normal schedule and entry for pre-purchased ticket holders.
- No additional tickets sold for semifinal games.
- A limited number of championship game tickets will be available for purchase for the winning teams on-site at the box office immediately following the semifinal games.
- Championship game tickets will be limited to 500 per school.
For Saturday (3/14):
- Each school will be allotted 500 tickets to be sold following semifinal games and until the limit is reached.
- All tournament tickets will no longer be accepted on Saturday.
- Previously scheduled honor team presentations will no longer take place.
The release goes on to say that UIL officials looked at historical data and in consultation with Alamodome event staff they determined that this limit will give those attending additional space and limit contact with other attendees.
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Officials say the Alamodome has put several safeguards in place including anti-bacterial sanitizing stations and enhanced cleaning and sanitation initiatives before and during the tournament in locker rooms and throughout high traffic areas as well as wiping down seats between sessions.
The situation remains fluid and UIL says it will continue to follow the direction of local officials to monitor the situation and will make additional announcements as needed.