Once again, Emporia will play host to a state basketball tournament this year, next week to be exact.
The Kansas 5A state basketball tournament will take over White Auditorium beginning next Thursday, Mar. 11. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be several changes to the traditional tournament atmosphere which was the subject of Emporia Recreation and Tournament Director Tom McEvoy’s appearance on KVOE’s Morning Show Tuesday.
According to McEvoy, the Recreation Commission has been working very closely with KSHSAA the past several months to ensure the auditorium could host a socially distanced and safe tournament for all who attend. This year only four teams for both boys and girls will be coming to Emporia for the state semi-finals and finals with quarterfinal matchups to be played at the higher seed’s school beforehand.
There will be two semi-final games held on both Thursday and Friday at 3 pm and 7 pm. McEvoy explains how the day’s events will unfold.
Only tournament workers, players, coaches and other event staff will be permitted on the auditorium floor.
Team bands and cheerleaders will be permitted to attend the games, however, bands will be reduced from 50 members to 25 due to social distancing. Fan attendance is also being limited to a max of 375 fans per team as the arena’s capacity is being limited to 25 percent.
There will be no concessions sold during the games, however, fans will be permitted to bring in food and bottled drinks, but coolers and open containers will not be allowed. The championship games will be the only games played on Saturday and are scheduled to tip-off at 2 pm and 6 pm respectively.
For questions or more information contact the Emporia Recreation Commission by calling 620-340-6300 or visit the KSHSAA website.
