Big Ten, Michigan Cancel Remainder of Winter and Spring Sports Seasons

Update (3/24/2020): This page is no longer being updated. Please visit MGoBlue.com/covid19 for the most up-to-date information.

» The Big Ten Conference has canceled the remainder of the winter and spring sports seasons due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
» In response, the University of Michigan has suspended all athletic activities, including practices, effective immediately, until further notice.
» Fans who purchased tickets to affected U-M home events will receive a refund.
» The NCAA canceled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

• University of Michigan COVID-19 Site

Last Updated: 3/17/2020 4:30 PM (Virtual #BigHouse5K)

The University of Michigan Athletics Department is closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 virus outbreak and its impact on our communities. The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is paramount as we assess the near and long-term potential impacts. This is a rapidly evolving situation. U-M officials and medical experts, in close coordination with the state and local public health departments, are closely monitoring for developments and will offer additional guidance and messaging as soon as it is available.

The university is watching guidance from federal, state and local authorities. The University of Michigan Athletics Department is taking the following steps beginning on Friday, March 13, with these steps superseding any announcements made previously. Updates will be communicated as soon as information becomes available.

Updates (March 12)

The Big Ten Conference announced that it is canceling the remainder of the winter and spring sports seasons due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
In response, the University of Michigan has suspended all athletic activities, including practices, effective immediately, until further notice.
To be clear, the University of Michigan will not compete or hold organized practices in any team or individual sport until further notice.

Statement

Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics: "Today, we took the unprecedented and proactive decision to suspend intercollegiate activities to protect the health and well-being of our student-athletes, staff and community members. This decision, reached in collaboration with the Big Ten Conference and campus leaders, was reached after thorough discussion and was necessary given the magnitude of this global issue. The hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is a source of inspiration for so many. So, too, will be our response as we confront the spread of this global pandemic. On behalf of our entire department, I thank the Big Ten Conference, presidents and athletic directors, our head coaches and community partners who have offered input and unwavering support."

Tickets

The Michigan Athletics ticket office will refund all single-game ticket purchases and all spring sport season ticket purchases.

Events

All third-party competitions or events scheduled to take place on/in U-M athletic facilities through the end of the Winter Semester (April 21) remain canceled. We will work proactively with all groups on refunds.
Outside events and outside groups scheduled on/in U-M athletic facilities after April 21 will be addressed on a case-by-case basis or until further guidance is available.
The annual Big House 5K Presented by Toyota, scheduled for April 19, has been canceled. Registrants are encouraged to support race beneficiaries by participating in the Virtual #BigHouse5K. » More Info
The U-M football open spring practice, scheduled for April 18, has been canceled.

Travel

For the health and safety of all involved, Michigan will not be allowing domestic or international air travel until further notice, unless for essential purposes, which will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Practice

The University of Michigan has suspended all athletic activities, including practices, effective immediately, until further notice. This includes activities for all fall, winter, and spring sports.

Recruiting

For the health and safety of all involved, Michigan will not be allowing coaches to conduct off-campus recruiting activities or host recruits on official or unofficial campus visits during this time period.

We will continue to monitor the developing situation and issue updates as determined. Additional guidance for the University community is available at the University's COVID-19 page.

Big Ten Conference

Update (3/12/2020): The Big Ten canceled the remainder of the conference men's basketball tournament and then announced cancellation of all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year, and participation in all NCAA tournaments and competitions. In addition, the Conference has announced a moratorium on all on- and off-campus recruiting activities for the foreseeable future. » Big Ten Statement

NCAA

Update (3/12/2020): The NCAA canceled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. "This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities." » NCAA Statement

University of Michigan Athletics

Big Ten, Michigan Cancel Remainder of Winter and Spring Sports Seasons

Related Videos