This is an overhead photo of The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center during the state high school wrestling tournament. The Coronavirus outbreak is limiting the number of fans who may attend this year’s tournament, which will be held Friday through Sunday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
Only four family members per athlete may attend
There will be a lot of fans disguised as empty seats at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center this weekend.
That’s because of Coronavirus fears.
There have been three confirmed cases of the disease to date in the state.
An additional 15 possible cases are under investigation.
Despite the fact that OSU will host the Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament, there will be a limit as to the number of people who will be allowed to watch the action.
The OHSAA, following a Tuesday announcement by Governor Mike DeWine, has decided to limit the number of fans who may attend state tournaments for wrestling, girls basketball and ice hockey this weekend.
The state wrestling tournament begins Friday and runs through Sunday.
Jerry Snodgrass, the OHSAA executive director, issued the following statement:
“We are following the governor’s instructions and are doing this for the safety of Ohioans. This is a very difficult time and we need our schools and fans to know that we have been told we must do this. We must pull together to do the best we can to conduct these tournaments so that the student-athletes can still finish their seasons, which have gotten them to the pinnacle of their sport.”
All previously-purchased and complimentary tickets for the upcoming state tournaments are now void.
Athletes competing in the state wrestling tournament (including Erryl Will and Lincoln Heard from Marysville and Reece Chapman from Jonathan Alder) may designate four family members who will be permitted to purchase all-session ticket books.
State tournament coaches will each be permitted to designate two family members to purchase tickets.
Tickets will only be sold as all-session ticket books.
Tickets previously purchased online via credit card will be refunded by Ticketmaster to the same credit card.
Tickets purchased via check will be refunded in approximately four to five weeks. Tickets purchased with cash at The Ohio State University ticket office can be returned for a refund on-site.
Credentialed media members will still be permitted to cover this week’s state and regional tournaments, as well as next week’s boys basketball state tournament.