COLUMBUS — Amid attempts to limit the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced who qualifies for the limited tickets available to the OHSAA’s tournament games.

The announcement that limited spectators would be able to attend the games came Tuesday afternoon after Gov. Mike DeWine made his recommendation to limit attendance at large sporting events and public gatherings.

The decision affects local athletics such as Colonel Crawford High School’s regional semi-final boys basketball game versus Ottawa-Glandorf on Wednesday at 8 p.m., and Upper Sandusky High School’s regional semi-final boys basketball game against Lima Shawnee on Thursday at 6:15 p.m.

Both games are at Bowling Green State University, which has announced it will use online and remote learning alternatives March 23-April 6 following the university’s spring break to reduce the threat of the spreading of Coronavirus.

According to a news release from the OHSAA, “All previously purchased tickets for the upcoming state tournaments of wrestling, ice hockey and girls and boys basketball are now void and new tickets will be sold per the instructions below, per sport.”

It also said ticket sales will be refunded.

“Again, all previously purchased and complimentary tickets for the upcoming state tournaments are now void and new tickets will be sold…,” the release said. “Tickets purchased online via credit card will be refunded by Ticketmaster to the same credit card. Tickets purchased via check will be refunded in approximately four to five weeks. Tickets purchased with cash at the Ohio State University ticket office can be returned for a refund on-site.”

Both Colonel Crawford and Upper Sandusky will be giving refunds to fans who purchased tickets through the schools.

Colonel Crawford’s Athletic Department and administration released the following statement:

“In light of the recommendations from Governor DeWine yesterday regarding the COVID-19 Virus, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has implemented a plan to limit the number of spectators at all indoor sporting events. This will begin tonight with all regional games throughout the state. All tickets for tonight’s regional boys’ basketball game are null and void. For those who purchased tickets at the school, refunds will be provided in the high school office beginning today through Friday. Tickets will need to be turned in to receive the refund. Anyone who purchased a ticket online via credit card will receive a credit back on their card.”

The Upper Sandusky High School Athletic Department released the following statement saying, in part:

“Fans that purchased presale tickets for this game at Upper, online and by phone will receive a refund…. We understand the decision to keep our student athletes and fans safe. However, we are extremely disappointed that our student athletes will not be able to compete in front of a packed house in the regional basketball tournament semifinals cheered on by their entire families and our loyal Upper Sandusky basketball fans.”

Upper Sandusky will offer refunds Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school commons and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the high school athletic office. Tickets need to be presented to receive the refund. Anyone who paid with a credit card will receive the refund on that card.

The OHSAA released the following notices of who may purchase tickets to attend the events:

STATE WRESTLING

State-qualifying student-athletes – Four family members each
State tournament coaches – Two family members each
Tickets will only be sold as all-session ticket books.

REGIONAL BOYS BASKETBALL

Student athletes (players and cheerleaders) – Four family members each
Coaches for participating teams – Two family members each
School administrators and bus driver – Themselves and a guest

STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL

Student athletes on qualifying teams – Four family members
Coaches and administrators of state tournament teams – Two family members
Tickets will only be sold as single-session tickets at St. John Arena

STATE ICE HOCKEY

Student athletes on qualifying teams – Four family members
State tournament coaches and school administrators – Two family members
Tickets will only be sold as single-session ticket books at Nationwide Arena

The OHSAA announced media coverage will mostly remain unchanged per DeWine’s request.

“Per Governor DeWine’s directive, credentialed media members are still permitted to cover this week’s state and regional tournaments, as well as next week’s boys basketball state tournament,” a news release said.

Iconic Rock Q92.7 WQEL and WQEL.com will broadcast both the Colonel Crawford and Upper Sandusky boys basketball games and Crawford County Now also will provide coverage.