Increased concern about the conoravirus are now starting to affect planned sporting events both locally and nationally. 

On Thursday, NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the men’s and women’s basketball tournament will take place only before “essential staff and limited family attendance”. 

The top-ranked University of South Carolina women’s basketball team are expected to receive a top seed and compete in the East Regional at Greenville. This means the Gamecocks could play as many as 4 games without the on-site support of a fanbase which leads the NCAA in women’s college basketball attendance. 

In addition, South Carolina announced the cancellation of its FAMdemonium event Monday. In a press release, this event is being cancelled based on the format, which encourages fans to meet and interact with the team. 

Fans who purchased tickets to the event will receive an email from the Gamecock Athletics Ticket Office with information regarding their refund.

A press release also stated the team and coaching staff will still gather to watch the NCAA Selection Show and is working on plans to share those moments with fans via its social media platforms.

On the high school level, it was announced the cancellation of the 5th annual Hoops Festival. The event was set for Saturday at Heathwood Hall.

“After further consideration and out of concern for the coronavirus, we’ve decided to cancel the Fifth Annual South Carolina Hoops Festival,” he said in a statement. “While we very excitedly looked forward to having some of South Carolina’s best boys and girls basketball players under one roof, safety and the well-being of our citizens remain of the utmost importance.

“We’d like to thank Jeff Whalen and Heathwood Hall for their willingness to accommodate us but we feel very strongly that not having the event is the best decision.”

A total of 4 games - Capital City Senior All-Star boys and girls and Junior Boys and Girls Showcase - were scheduled to take place. Several Chronicle Country players were selected to appear.

The annual North-South All-Star Game is still scheduled for March 21 at Lexington High School. Head coach Brett Jones of Class 5A runner-up Dutch Fork will lead the South team with Maddux Harrell of Chapin. 

Tauris Watson of Gray Collegiate and Ehrial Wagstaff of Class 5A Upper State runner-up Irmo were selected to the North teams.