NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Public Health has approved a plan to allow a limited number of fans to attend the upcoming SEC Men's Basketball Tournament.
Metro said Thursday the plan allows for 20% of seating capacity – 3,400 people – which is consistent with what the allowed attendance will be for Nashville Predators games in March.
“Bridgestone Arena submitted a plan with COVID-19 safety measures in place to protect both the fans and the teams competing for the SEC crown,” said Dr. Gill Wright, Interim Chief Medical Officer for the Metro Public Health Department. “Metro Public Health officials will assist Bridgestone Arena personnel in supporting and enforcing the plan.”
The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 10. Nashville Mayor John Cooper said it's "one of the first steps of Nashville’s rebound.”
Southeastern Conference officials provided the following statement about the sale of tournament tickets:
"Due to the current circumstances related to COVID-19 requiring reduced capacity for sporting events, the SEC will not be able to make 2021 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament tickets available for public purchase. Consistent with attendance limitations, the teams competing in the 2021 Men’s Basketball Tournament will be provided a very limited number of tickets for sale to their fan base."
