From the University of Tennessee Athletics
As Tennessee Athletics and the UT Office of Emergency Management closely monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, the health of our student-athletes, staff and campus community remains at the forefront of all decision making. These are unique circumstances, and responsible and deliberate decisions are being made in consultation with public health authorities. Given the fluid nature of ongoing developments, we will share new, pertinent information as it becomes available.
The University of Tennessee has transitioned to online-only classes for the remainder of the spring semester, and all gathering activities, including commencement, have been canceled. Alternative plans for ways to celebrate spring graduates are being explored.
The Southeastern Conference on March 17 announced that all regular-season conference and non-conference competitions are canceled for the remainder of the 2019-20 athletic year, including all remaining SEC championship events, due to continuing developments related to COVID-19.
SEC athletics programs had previously ceased practices, individual and team workouts at the end of the day on March 13. Team meetings were to conclude no later than 5 p.m. local time on March 16.
Tennessee, along with all SEC member institutions, continues to provide student-athletes with care and support to meet needs in areas including academics, medical care, mental health and wellness, nutrition and housing as needed.
Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer released the following statement on March 13.
“The past several days have been filled with uncertainty and have presented unique and challenging circumstances. A growing public health crisis has led to difficult but necessary decisions. I personally am grateful for the courageous leadership of Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey, UT Chancellor Plowman and the rest of our conference presidents, chancellors and ADs. Dialogue is ongoing. We are all in uncharted territory, and there is no manual to guide our decision making. However, we must continue act with abundant caution while prioritizing health and safety throughout our campuses and communities.
“I am heartbroken for our student-athletes who have poured their heart and soul into their training and now find themselves in a season of uncertainty. There are many lingering questions related to academics, eligibility, training schedules, housing and various other internal operations for which we do not yet have answers. But I am focused on actively engaging in the dialogue that is to come as we work to support our young men and women—highlighting their physical, mental and emotional wellness—to help them move forward.
“To our incredible fans, donors and alumni—I understand the frustration that comes along with canceled events, ticket refunds and many lost opportunities to celebrate Tennessee wins and championships. But I’m confident that these circumstances will stir the passion of the world’s most extraordinary fanbase, and that your love for the Vols and Lady Vols will shine through like never before when the action eventually resumes.
“Please take care of yourselves and each other as we navigate the days to come together, prioritizing the greater good.”
Additional guidance and precautionary measures are available at the university’s COVID-19 page: https://www.utk.edu/coronavirus
Competitions
Tennessee’s Chevrolet Orange & White Game, scheduled for April 18, has been canceled.
The NCAA Rowing Championships, scheduled to be hosted by the University of Tennessee and take place in Oak Ridge from May 29-31, have been canceled.
Tickets
2020 Men’s SEC Basketball Tournament Tickets: As of March 13, 2020, refunds have been processed for the 2020 Men’s SEC Basketball Tournament. Please note, although the Ticket Office has processed these refunds, banks take a few additional days to complete their processing.
Baseball & Softball Season Tickets: A pro rata amount of the season-ticket price for baseball and softball season tickets purchased directly through AllVols.com or Tennessee Athletics will be refunded in the form of the original payment.
Fans who purchased tickets directly through AllVols.com or Tennessee Athletics will not need to request ticket refunds. Those purchases will be automatically refunded by March 27, 2020. However, please note that although the Ticket Office has processed these refunds, banks may take a few additional days to complete their processing. Refunds will be issued to the original purchaser of record.
For those who paid for their tickets via cash or check, a refund check will be sent from the university, which may take up to six weeks.
Baseball & Softball Single-Game Tickets (including the USA Softball exhibition game): As of March 18, 2020, single-game tickets for baseball and softball purchased directly through AllVols.com or Tennessee Athletics have been refunded in the form of the original payment. However, please note that although the Ticket Office has processed these refunds, banks may take a few additional days to complete their processing. Refunds have been issued to the original purchaser of record.
For those who paid for their single-game tickets via cash or check, a refund check will be sent from the university, which may take up to six weeks.
Baseball Luncheon Tickets. As of March 13, 2020, refunds have been processed for the March 16 Tennessee Baseball Luncheon. However, please note that although the Ticket Office has processed these refunds, banks may take a few additional days to complete their processing.
For questions related to refunds or ticket purchases, please contact the Tennessee Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 656-1200.
Recruiting & Travel
For the health and safety of all involved, the SEC is prohibiting its coaches from conducting off-campus recruiting activities or hosting prospective student-athletes on official or unofficial campus visits at this time.
At the institutional level, effective March 10, nonessential UT-related international and domestic travel outside the state of Tennessee was suspended.
Other Events
All third-party competitions, events and tours scheduled to take place at UT athletic facilities through April 15 are canceled. Events scheduled after that date will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis moving forward.
The Tennessee Football Coaches Clinic, originally scheduled for March 26-28, has been canceled. Coaches who pre-registered for the event will be refunded. In addition, Tennessee’s Pro Day, originally scheduled for March 26, has been canceled.
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