UNM Athletics Addresses Policies Regarding Events
Updated as of 3/20/2019
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Following the Mountain West’s directive, all sporting events for the spring season have been canceled.
In accordance with the Mountain West, there will be no athletic activity on campus until at least April 10. In accordance with the NCAA, there will be no live recruiting, on-campus or off-campus, until at least April 15. There will be no access to athletic facilities for our student-athletes until at least April 10.
3/11/2020
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Following on a directive from NCAA President Mark Emmert regarding NCAA Championships, the University of New Mexico will limit admittance to all home events and practices for the foreseeable future, announced director of athletics Eddie Nuñez.
The 2020 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships will still be held as scheduled at the Albuquerque Convention Center, hosted by UNM, but only essential personnel and family will be allowed in attendance.
The University of New Mexico athletic department will follow the NCAA’s protocol for all home events and practices for the time being. All UNM home athletic events and practices will be conducted with essential personnel only, and limited family. No fans will be allowed at practices or games at this time. Media will still be able to attend practices and games, but interviews will be modified for safety concerns via recommended guidelines.
This will start with Thursday’s football practice at 9:45 am. The first UNM events to be conducted with essential personnel and family only will be this weekend’s tennis matches at McKinnon Family Tennis Stadium.
“As we continue to monitor the situation, the safety of our student-athletes, staff, fans and university
community are our primary concern,” said director of athletics Eddie Nuñez. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone involved as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time.”
The directive from the NCAA was issued around 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time, and it is as follows:
“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.”