A few weeks after mandating all capacity for venues hosting postseason NCAA Regional and Super Regional sites for both softball and baseball, the NCAA rescinded that policy Wednesday.
Instead, any attendance restrictions would be implemented by local or state governments where each site is located. Mississippi currently does not have any attendance restrictions and Mississippi State has been allowing fans in to Dudy Noble Field at full capacity since April. The NCAA said the decision to revoke its previously imposed predetermined capacity limit was based off recommendations from the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group.
“The effectiveness and prevalence of vaccinations in our country have allowed the Medical Advisory Group to provide this guidance that has tremendous impact on student-athletes, coaches and fans attending NCAA championships,” said NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline in a statement. “It’s still important for anyone attending championships to remember common sense measures like hand washing, hand sanitization and proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing.”
In a statement, MSU said it will continue to follow capacity guidelines from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ most recent executive order, which lifted any attendance restrictions outdoors.
According to the latest D1Baseball.com projected postseason bracket, Mississippi State is the last projected national seed to host a Super Regional. The Bulldogs have work to do to ensure that happens, with one final regular season series against Alabama starting Thursday and then the SEC tournament next week.
Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.