The Missouri State High School Activities Association will limit attendance at this weekend’s Class 4 and 5 state quarterfinal basketball games to 60 “essential personnel” for each participating school. The definition of “essential personnel” is left to each school.
Republic Athletic Director Trevyor Fisher says the number includes players, coaches, managers, athletic trainers, administrators, and some members of players’ families. He and the coaches are still working to determine exactly how they’ll divide up those slots.
The attendance limit at all state quarterfinals is a response to the spread of the coronavirus. MSHSAA announced the policy after a case of the coronavirus was identified in Springfield Thursday. That was the second case in Missouri so far.
Republic will play Columbia Rock Bridge in the girls state quarterfinals Saturday at 6 pm on the campus of Southwest Baptist University.
“All 60 people have to meet at the gate at five o’clock, one hour prior, and we’ll enter the arena at one time,” Fisher said. “Once you’re in, if you leave, you don’t get back in.” Doors will be locked after attendees from both schools enter the building.
As of now, we do plan to livestream video of the game here or on our YouTube channel.