INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced they are limiting crowds for the boy’s regional basketball tournament this weekend during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Only school personnel and immediate family members will be allowed in, with a limit of 75 people per school. Schools must give tickets to family members.

This may change for state basketball finals if conditions change.

Commissioner Bobby Cox said the association is losing $500,000 in sales, but the primary focus has been and will continue to be the health and safety of students and supporters attending sporting events.

IHSAA is asking for the principal and athletic director to screen those invited at the front entrance and is asking for seperate entrances for each school to enter.

“There shall be no cheerleaders, pep bands, dance teams or any other spirit groups at the contest,” said Cox.

However, IHSAA is also not allowing any spectators, including family, at the state gymnastics finals at Ball State this weekend.

“What we’re trying to do is achieve that number of about 250 people of a large gathering that’s been established by the CDC. When you count up all the participants, all the judges, all the spotters, all the scorers, everybody that’s going to be in that area we’re already at 250 before we let the first person in,” Cox mentioned.

Viewers of the press conference have shared their thoughts about the matter on WISH-TV’s Facebook page.

Many seemed disappointed by the IHSAA’s decision.

Some people commented it’s not fun playing in an empty arena and the hospitality in the area is suffering.

Anyone who has already purchased tickets in advance may get a refund at point of purchase.