The Northwest Missouri State University Department of Athletics announced Thursday that the 2020 Men's Basketball NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament will be played in front of only essential staff and immediate family members on March 14, 15 and 17 in Bearcat Arena.
 
Northwest athletics will reach out to essential staff, in alignment with the NCAA mandate, to determine who will be allowed in the arena. Bearcat Arena will be cleared following each game during the tournament. In light of this decision no concessions will be offered at the event.
 
All seven games of the Central Region will be streamed free on The MIAA Network, which can be accessed here.
 
Northwest will refund all ticket purchases for the 2020 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Central Region Tournament. If tickets were purchased by credit card, those accounts will be credited back with their purchase price within 5-10 business days. If tickets were purchased by cash, those refunds will be issued in-person at the Cashiering Office in Northwest's Administration Building.
  
NCAA President Mark Emmert issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon about limiting attendance at NCAA championship events because of the COVID-19.
 
"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."