Parents and fans heading to state wrestling, state girls basketball, regional boys basketball and ice hockey tournaments in Ohio have new instructions to follow.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association tournaments announced late Tuesday all previously purchased tickets for the upcoming state tournaments are now void and spectators must purchase new ones.
The ruling comes after Gov. Mike DeWine recommended that no spectators be allowed at indoor sporting events due to the new coronavirus, which he announced Monday had spread to Ohio with three confirmed cases in Cuyahoga County.
Ticketmaster will refund tickets purchased online via credit card to the same credit card. Tickets purchased via check will be refunded in about four to five weeks. Tickets purchased with cash at the Ohio State University ticket office can be returned for a refund on-site.
At all OHSAA state and regional tournaments this week and next week, all events surrounding the games are canceled, including special presentations, halftime entertainment, various meetings, merchandise sales and other display booths.
Here are instructions on ticket limitations and new ticket sales for each sport:
State wrestling
State qualifying athletes can 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. State wrestling begins Friday, March 13, at Schottenstein Center
Regional boys basketball
Beginning Wednesday, student-athletes on the participating school tournament roster (players and cheerleaders) can designate four family members to purchase a ticket for the game. Coaches for that team can each designate two family members to purchase tickets. School administrators and the bus drive each receive one free ticket for themselves and a guest. Each regional site will work with the participating schools regarding its team list and ticket sales process, which will be cash only at entry.
State girls basketball
Student-athletes on the 16 state qualifying teams will each be permitted to designate four family members who will be permitted to purchase single-session tickets at St. John Arena. Coaches and administrators of the state tournament teams will each be permitted to designate two family members to purchase tickets. Tickets will only be sold as single-session tickets.
The OHSAA state girls basketball tournament is set to begin Thursday, March 12, at St. John Arena in Columbus.