Big West Tournament -- COVID-19 Information Update
3/9/2020 3:02:00 PM | General
A message from the Commissioner of the Big West
Please see below for a message from Dennis Farrell, Big West Conference Commissioner:
The Big West Conference office staff and the leadership of the Board of Directors are working closely with local, state, and university health authorities as well as the leadership of Honda Center to monitor and respond to the evolving coronavirus situation.
As of this morning, both the men's and women's basketball tournaments are proceeding as planned in Long Beach and Anaheim. That being said, we are quite concerned with the health and well-being of the entire Big West community (student-athletes, staff, and fans). That is undeniably our top priority. We also understand that some campuses are considering issuing instructions to their campus communities to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings, which will likely reduce attendance at the event.
Public statements are being developed to touch upon the precautions that are being taken at both tournament venues as well as to remind the public of common sense steps they should be following to minimize the potential spread of the virus.
The precautions being taken at the Long Beach State Walter Pyramid are as follows:
· All spectator seats are being disinfected by Campus Facilities Management.
· All Lockers and been cleaned and disinfected by Campus Facilities Management.
· Hand sanitizing stations will be available at entrances and at concession locations
· Ticket Takers and Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats. They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Self-serve condiments and napkins will be replaced by each concession staff member distributing packets with the appropriate menu items at point of sale.
· Jalapeno and onion condiments will be prepped by staff and provided upon request.
· Utensil packages are prewrapped
· Refillable souvenir cups will be sold but refills will be provided in new paper cups.
· Coffee is not refilled; creamers, sugar, and stir sticks will be provided at time of sale
· Self-service impulse items that are currently displayed on the counter will be removed and a sample display will be set up, labeled DISPLAY ONLY
· Service counters sanitized every 30 minutes.
· Video slides encouraging attendees to wash hands & cover coughs/sneezes.
· NCAA Healthy Tips for Athletes and Athletic Personnel Flyer in the Team locker rooms reminding athletes of healthy tips.
· The floor sweepers/ball personnel will be wearing gloves to retrieve balls and wipe the floor.
· Pyramid Management will supply more towels for benches to encourage one use by the athlete.
· Event security personnel conducting bag searches at venue entrances will use plastic gloves.
· Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats.? They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Custodial staff will be on higher alert in checking and refilling restroom soap dispensers.
· Custodial staff sanitizing frequently touched surfaces before, during and after events.
The precautions being taken at Honda Center are as follows:
· Hand sanitizing stations have been installed inside the main entrances, concierge entrances, Team Store, top of STT staircase and at select F&B concession locations.
· Event Security personnel conducting bag searches at venue entrances have begun using plastic gloves.
· Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats. They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Concession/F&B workers wearing gloves when distributing food.
· Souvenir cups and popcorn tubs will not be refilled. However, guests will receive refills in "new" 32 ounce cups for beverage and popcorn tubs.
· Self-serve condiments will be replaced by single serve portion cups.
· Plasticware will be individually wrapped and/or provided by staff upon request.
· Event Housekeeping personnel will be on higher alert in checking and refilling restroom soap dispensers.
· Incremental staff personnel dedicated to sanitizing frequently touched surfaces before, during and after events.
· Slide-on concourse video screens encouraging attendees to wash hands & cover coughs/sneezes.
· Player/coach fan interaction has been modified for the time being. This includes no autographs and general close interaction (photos, handshakes, etc.)
· Locker rooms have been closed to the media for NHL games. Access is being granted in a press conference setting to avoid media and player/coach interaction.
The precautions we'll encourage the public to take (as recommended by the California Department of Public Health) are:
· Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
· Cover you coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
· Recommend that participants minimize close contact (e.g., recommending no hand shaking or hugging).
Along the lines of that last bullet-point, the Conference office is suggesting that teams refrain from the traditional post-game handshake and for coaches and student-athletes to not take that as a sign of unsportsmanlike conduct.
In addition to this public messaging effort, the Board leadership and Conference Office staff have agreed that it's prudent to cancel this Thursday's Scholar-Athlete Breakfast since attendance at that event would approach 200 sitting in close proximity. The Conference Office staff is also evaluating the possibility of cancelling Big West-sponsored hospitality in the Jack Daniels room at Honda Center. That decision will be made shortly.
In conclusion, I want to stress that the Board leadership and Conference Office will continue to monitor all COVID-19 developments in our region and will be prepared to act appropriately if necessary. Among the options that could be implemented if developments warrant are: 1, limiting the number of fans to insure proper social distancing; 2, playing all or parts of the tournament without any fans; or 3, cancelling the event. Obviously, these steps would not be taken unless strongly recommended or required by health officials.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding of this situation.
Dennis Farrell
Commissioner
Big West Conference
The Big West Conference office staff and the leadership of the Board of Directors are working closely with local, state, and university health authorities as well as the leadership of Honda Center to monitor and respond to the evolving coronavirus situation.
As of this morning, both the men's and women's basketball tournaments are proceeding as planned in Long Beach and Anaheim. That being said, we are quite concerned with the health and well-being of the entire Big West community (student-athletes, staff, and fans). That is undeniably our top priority. We also understand that some campuses are considering issuing instructions to their campus communities to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings, which will likely reduce attendance at the event.
Public statements are being developed to touch upon the precautions that are being taken at both tournament venues as well as to remind the public of common sense steps they should be following to minimize the potential spread of the virus.
The precautions being taken at the Long Beach State Walter Pyramid are as follows:
· All spectator seats are being disinfected by Campus Facilities Management.
· All Lockers and been cleaned and disinfected by Campus Facilities Management.
· Hand sanitizing stations will be available at entrances and at concession locations
· Ticket Takers and Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats. They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Self-serve condiments and napkins will be replaced by each concession staff member distributing packets with the appropriate menu items at point of sale.
· Jalapeno and onion condiments will be prepped by staff and provided upon request.
· Utensil packages are prewrapped
· Refillable souvenir cups will be sold but refills will be provided in new paper cups.
· Coffee is not refilled; creamers, sugar, and stir sticks will be provided at time of sale
· Self-service impulse items that are currently displayed on the counter will be removed and a sample display will be set up, labeled DISPLAY ONLY
· Service counters sanitized every 30 minutes.
· Video slides encouraging attendees to wash hands & cover coughs/sneezes.
· NCAA Healthy Tips for Athletes and Athletic Personnel Flyer in the Team locker rooms reminding athletes of healthy tips.
· The floor sweepers/ball personnel will be wearing gloves to retrieve balls and wipe the floor.
· Pyramid Management will supply more towels for benches to encourage one use by the athlete.
· Event security personnel conducting bag searches at venue entrances will use plastic gloves.
· Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats.? They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Custodial staff will be on higher alert in checking and refilling restroom soap dispensers.
· Custodial staff sanitizing frequently touched surfaces before, during and after events.
The precautions being taken at Honda Center are as follows:
· Hand sanitizing stations have been installed inside the main entrances, concierge entrances, Team Store, top of STT staircase and at select F&B concession locations.
· Event Security personnel conducting bag searches at venue entrances have begun using plastic gloves.
· Ushers will not be touching patron tickets to scan or direct guests to their seats. They will also have access to plastic gloves if they choose to touch patron tickets.
· Concession/F&B workers wearing gloves when distributing food.
· Souvenir cups and popcorn tubs will not be refilled. However, guests will receive refills in "new" 32 ounce cups for beverage and popcorn tubs.
· Self-serve condiments will be replaced by single serve portion cups.
· Plasticware will be individually wrapped and/or provided by staff upon request.
· Event Housekeeping personnel will be on higher alert in checking and refilling restroom soap dispensers.
· Incremental staff personnel dedicated to sanitizing frequently touched surfaces before, during and after events.
· Slide-on concourse video screens encouraging attendees to wash hands & cover coughs/sneezes.
· Player/coach fan interaction has been modified for the time being. This includes no autographs and general close interaction (photos, handshakes, etc.)
· Locker rooms have been closed to the media for NHL games. Access is being granted in a press conference setting to avoid media and player/coach interaction.
The precautions we'll encourage the public to take (as recommended by the California Department of Public Health) are:
· Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
· Cover you coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
· Recommend that participants minimize close contact (e.g., recommending no hand shaking or hugging).
Along the lines of that last bullet-point, the Conference office is suggesting that teams refrain from the traditional post-game handshake and for coaches and student-athletes to not take that as a sign of unsportsmanlike conduct.
In addition to this public messaging effort, the Board leadership and Conference Office staff have agreed that it's prudent to cancel this Thursday's Scholar-Athlete Breakfast since attendance at that event would approach 200 sitting in close proximity. The Conference Office staff is also evaluating the possibility of cancelling Big West-sponsored hospitality in the Jack Daniels room at Honda Center. That decision will be made shortly.
In conclusion, I want to stress that the Board leadership and Conference Office will continue to monitor all COVID-19 developments in our region and will be prepared to act appropriately if necessary. Among the options that could be implemented if developments warrant are: 1, limiting the number of fans to insure proper social distancing; 2, playing all or parts of the tournament without any fans; or 3, cancelling the event. Obviously, these steps would not be taken unless strongly recommended or required by health officials.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding of this situation.
Dennis Farrell
Commissioner
Big West Conference
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