Ohio State cancels spring game, bars public from all athletic events amid coronavirus

Ohio State spring game on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Ohio State spring game on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Ohio State University’s athletics department announced Wednesday night that it has canceled the annual spring football game, and closed all other sporting events to the public for the remainder of the semester.

» RELATED: Big Ten, Big 12 announce limited-attendance policies starting Thursday

Intercollegiate athletic sporting events will continue, but will be limited to student-athletes and their immediate family members, team coaches and staff, essential event management, operational and facility staff and credentialed media, according to a release from the athletics department.

The spring football game was set for April 11 at Ohio Stadium.

» RELATED: NCAA won’t allow fans at games

Refunds for fans who purchased tickets to Ohio State sporting events — beginning with the women’s gymnastics meet Saturday against Pittsburgh — will be processed as follows: tickets purchased on line or by phone will be automatically refunded within five to seven business days; and tickets purchased in person can be returned to the point of purchase for a full refund.

» RELATED: Coronavirus concerns causing changes across sports spectrum

The university has been working with Gov. Mike DeWine, who recommended that sporting events continue, but with extremely limited spectators to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, the release stated.

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