The cancellation of the NCAA men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments – including the men's Final Four at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – means by extension, no Taylor Swift and Halsey concert or other fan events surrounding the game.
The all-female lineup, which also included Tayla Parx, was slated for April 5 at the Capital One JamFest in Centennial Olympic Park.
Swift's free performance, announced in November, would have been one of only a handful of shows for the singer this year.
According to AJC reporter Tim Tucker, the Final Four was awarded to Atlanta six years ago. Future Final Fours are committed to other cities through 2026.
Here is the full statement from NCAA president Mark Emmert.
The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.
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