KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas State will not allow fans inside Bramlage Coliseum for men’s and women’s basketball games during November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wildcats athletic department announced the decision Tuesday.
Based on the revised men’s basketball schedule for 2020-21, that means fans won’t be in attendance for men’s basketball’s Little Apple Classic on Nov. 25 and 27 — a four-team event that includes former Big 12 rival Colorado along with Drake and South Dakota — or for a Nov. 30 game against the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The decision also impacts the K-State women’s game Nov. 29 against Southern University.
The news came only hours after Kansas State canceled commencement ceremonies, which had been scheduled for this weekend.
“In concert with the University’s decision to cancel graduation ceremonies, this was a prudent decision for us at this time,” Wildcats Athletics Director Gene Taylor said in a statement.
The decision does not affect the football team’s Dec. 5 home game against Texas at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, though K-State’s football team is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak among players.
Perhaps as soon as December, the Wildcats plan to allow fans at Bramlage Coliseum up to 25% capacity, a plan that has been approved by Riley County health officials.
Social distancing measures will be in effect for seating through the duration of the season if and when fans are allowed to attend games.
Bruce Weber’s K-State squad is slated to host UNLV on Dec. 5, which is the same day as the football team’s final home game, and Milwaukee on Dec. 8.
The Wildcats’ Big 12 home opener isn’t until Dec. 19 against top-ranked Baylor.
