March sadness: How Minnesota preps sports tournaments went from game on to shutdown
March 14, 2020 at 3:27AM
How the Minnesota State High School League's plans for its busy tournament season shifted as COVID-19 concerns escalated.
March 4: On the first day of the boys' hockey tournament, the league said it was "actively monitoring'' the coronavirus situation, which included no COVID-19 cases identified in Minnesota as of March 2.
Wednesday: With the girls' basketball tournament hosting quarterfinals in three classes, the league said all tournaments "are being held as scheduled.''
Midday Thursday: Fan restrictions imposed for girls' basketball, adapted floor hockey and boys' basketball section tournaments effective Friday. Boys' basketball state tournament plans "will be communicated at a later date.''
5:15 p.m. Thursday: Adapted floor hockey tournament canceled.
Midmorning Friday: All girls' and boys' basketball tournaments canceled.
Midafternoon Friday: Spring sports competitions delayed until April 6.
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Six players plus head coach Garrett Raboin and assistant coach Ben Gordon are from Minnesota. The tournament’s games will be televised starting Monday.
