NEW: RIIL Bans Fans From Hockey & Basketball State Championships

NEW: RIIL Bans Fans From Hockey & Basketball State Championships

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has announced that the state basketball and hockey tournaments will continue with no fans.

“The RIIL is committed to allowing teams to finish out their seasons. Our students have worked very hard and we owe this to them. Unfortunately, because of the guidelines specified by the governor, RIDOH and RIDE in response to the escalating health issue, the league cannot allow spectators to attend,” said RIIL Executive Director Tom Mezzanotte in a press release.

He adds, “Our fans and community support are an essential part of the high school experience; however, in light of the recommendations and the conditions existing in our country, we ask for everyone’s patience, cooperation, and understanding.”

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There have been five confirmed cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island as of Thursday. 

Last week, St. Ray's dropped out of both the basketball and hockey playoffs due to cases of coronavirus at the school.

State Championship Restrictions

Including the banning of fans, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced the following restrictions and conditions:

• Only players, coaches and essential staff will be allowed at all games being held on the campuses of Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. No spectators will be allowed to attend. Schools will be notified which individuals qualify as essential personnel. 
• The Boys Elite 8 quarterfinal basketball games have been moved to Saturday, March 14 at Rhode Island College. 
• All hockey finals and basketball semifinals and finals will be played on the URI campus – hockey at Boss Arena and basketball at the Ryan Center. The RIIL will comply with all guidelines provided by the University of Rhode Island. Specifically, no spectators will be allowed to attend and only essential personnel will be admitted. 
• Game times will be adjusted accordingly on the RIIL website at riil.org
• In light of the restricted attendance, every effort is being made to have games livestreamed on the NFHS Network. For more information, click here.