Just one day before nationals was set to be run, the NSAF announced that the 2020 New Balance Nationals are being cancelled due to concerns related to the spread and safety with the Coronavirus. This decision follows widespread cancellations of other major sporting events.
Similar track meets, AAU Indoor Nationals and others, have been cancelled as well. The NCAA Championships, also set for this weekend, are going to take place as planned but without any fans. That is a similar move to NCAA Basketball as well. This could not be done for NBNI since the vast majority of athletes are minors and would need parents/coaches present.
UPDATE: The NBA has postponed games until further notice and the SEC has announced fans will not be allowed to attend any on campus competitions until March 30th.
Here is the NSAF's press release:
The National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) and its medical staff, led by Dr. Robert Jones and in direct discussion with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), have made the decision Wednesday night to cancel the 2020 New Balance Nationals Indoor (NBNI), which was to take place at The Armory this weekend, March 13-15.
"Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and out of concern for the safety of all athletes, coaches and families, we've decided it's in the best interest of all parties to cancel the meet," said NSAF and NBNI Meet Director Jim Spier. "It's the hardest decision we've ever had to make."
A full press release with more detailed information will be posted tomorrow. Please stay tuned and check back here at nationalscholastic.org for that and for information on the distribution of this year's NBNI backpacks.