BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- Following consultation with governmental and public health officials, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments will be played with a restricted attendance policy that will be implemented at Bartow Arena.

Both tournaments will continue as scheduled on Friday, March 13th through Saturday, March 14th. Only essential staff and limited family attendance will be permitted.

The SWAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments will be closed to the general public.
 
This decision was made in consultation and guidance with local governmental and public health and medical officials to limit large gatherings due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
"The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, event staff and fans has and will always serve as the guiding principle for any decisions we make here at the Southwestern Athletic Conference," said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.

"Today in consultation with health officials and the NCAA, we have determined that the best course of action is to limit attendance at our upcoming tournaments to family members and essential tournament personnel."   

All tickets for the SWAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments will be refunded in the form of a full refund. Please call (205) 251-7573 for more information or email a.mackey@swac.org.

"We are following Dr. Charles McClelland and the conference office leadership, we understand how disappointing this news is for our fans of our sports. This decision is in the best interest of our coaches, staff, administrators, fans and most importantly the welfare of our student athletes." said Director of Athletics Roman Banks 

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women's competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.

Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org

Follow Southern University Athletics
For complete coverage of Southern University Athletics, please follow the Jaguars on Social Media at @SouthernUsports (Twitter), @SouthernUJaguars (Facebook), @southernusports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Southern University Athletics at www.gojagsports.com