Suspension of Athletic Competitions

Dear Arcadia Athletes, Families, Community, and Fans, 

The Department of Athletics and Arcadia leadership have been monitoring the COVID-19 virus closely and making adjustments to University activities and events accordingly. This is a difficult and challenging time. As always, the health and safety of our students is a top priority.

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) released a mandate on March 12 determining it is in the best interest of campus communities conference-wide to suspend all athletic competition from Monday, March 16 through Monday, March 30. 

• The suspension covers all on- and off-campus conference and non-conference contests, including spring break travel for Arcadia.
• Arcadia Athletics will suspend practice and training sessions for all sports during this time (March 16-30).
• Arcadia’s intramural and recreation programming also will be suspended pending further clarification on the intercollegiate sports landscape.
• The MAC is actively monitoring the situation and will make reassessments over the two-week suspension period to determine if further action is warranted.

Related: MAC Announcement | MAC FAQ Document | Arcadia COVID-19

Arcadia Athletics, in accordance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) COVID-19 Advisory Panel, recommends against sporting events open to the public. Arcadia believes athletic events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects the players, employees, and fans. This restriction will go into effect immediately and be in place until further guidance is provided for any games that are played following the hiatus.

• The March 12 home softball doubleheader against Misericordia will be played as scheduled.
• The March 13 home baseball contest with Stevenson and March 14 doubleheader at Stevenson are both postponed.

In response to the developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak, Arcadia announced on March 11 that the duration of online course delivery will be extended to April 5, and any possible extension to that date will be announced no later than March 31. If you have any questions about student housing, email housing@arcadia.edu or contact Residence and Commuter Life (215-572-2933).

We will continue to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal government officials and agencies as well as the NCAA, MAC, and related athletics organizations. We fully recognize the impact that this decision has on our student-athletes and their families, especially given the timing. It is our hope that we can resume some form of spring sports season in the future.

Questions about the MAC’s response not addressed in the FAQ document provided above can be directed to questions@gomacsports.com.

Sincerely,

Brian Granata
Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation