On Friday afternoon, the University of Wisconsin closed its campus to nonessential events, which leaves the state softball, tennis, and golf tournaments looking for a new venue should high school spring sports play this season.
In the University's announcement, gatherings of 10 or more people will not be permitted on campus:
The university has extended the cancellation of non-essential in-person campus events and meetings through June 30. Previously, the cancellation had been in effect through May 15.
In-person meetings of essential personnel may continue but require approval by a dean or vice chancellor. Any in-person meetings should be limited to only those that are absolutely critical and should never include more than 10 people.
The WIAA immediately made note of the decision and announced its next steps, which will include a virtual meeting April 21 to discuss possible other venues:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced it is extending the closure of its campus through June 30, 2020, which eliminates the possibility of conducting the WIAA spring State Tournaments scheduled at campus venues this spring.
The events impacted by the closure include the Boys Individual and Team Tennis Tournaments scheduled at Nielsen Tennis Stadium on June 4-6 and June 12-13, respectfully; the State Boys Golf Championship at University Ridge on June 15-16; and the State Softball Tournament at Goodman Diamond on June 11-13.
The decision to extend the closure addresses the ongoing concern and efforts to prevent and control the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19.
At its special meeting on March 19, the Board of Control resolved to postpone any decision to cancel the spring sports seasons and the spring State Tournament Series to a later date or until new developments arise and new information becomes available.
The Board of Control will conduct its scheduled meeting on April 21 via video conferencing and will discuss options for the remainder of the spring sports seasons and summertime contact.
As of now, schools are closed through April 24. The Big 8 Conference noted on Friday it was planning on resuming practices on April 27.