The SEC has made it official. Fans will not be allowed to attend this week’s men’s basketball tournament starting Thursday.

On Wednesday night, the conference released an official statement regarding the tournament and other on-campus events (including baseball and softball) through March 30:

The Southeastern Conference has announced it will conduct the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament with only essential staff, limited family and credentialed media in attendance at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for the remainder of the week beginning on Thursday following the recommendation of the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel related to conducting sporting events closed to the public.

In addition, the SEC announced that all regular season contests in all sports on SEC campuses and SEC Championship events will be conducted with similar attendance restrictions effective Thursday, March 12 through at least March 30 at which time the conference and its member universities will re-evaluate conditions.

Commissioner Greg Sankey appeared on the SEC Network as the conference posted its announcement. The SEC’s announcement included a personal statement from Sankey:

“In light of recent developments beyond our control related to the spread of the coronavirus, including a recommendation from the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel, and after consultation with our member universities, we have made the difficult decision to hold the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville without spectators beginning with games of Thursday, March 12. Effective immediately, the policy will also apply to other SEC Championship events and on-campus regular season games scheduled through at least the end of March.

“After conferring with local and national health authorities, we remain confident in our ability to safeguard the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and other staff who will be participating as well as the limited number of family members and media who will be in attendance at the tournament.

“We regret the inconvenience and disappointment this decision has caused our fans, especially those who have already traveled to Nashville for the tournament.”

During the Georgia-Ole Miss game, news broke that teams’ spirit staffs (cheerleaders, band, etc) had been informed they would not be allowed to attend starting Thursday. Game 2 of the tournament – Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas currently airing on the SEC Network – will be the last game of the tournament played with fans in attendance.