BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – Due to the impact of COVID-19, Long Island University will begin its spring sport program seasons without spectators at home events, following the New York State policy regarding fans at sports and entertainment events, which prevents fans at arenas or stadiums with less than 10,000 seat capacity.  To date, all LIU home sporting events have not had fans in attendance.
 
"As Long Island University continues to be a leader for providing a safe environment for intercollegiate athletics, the implementation of the NYS non-spectator protocol is imperative for the overall health and safety of the Shark fan base, student-athletes, coaches and support staff, notwithstanding the immediate campus population comprised of students, faculty and staff," said Director of Athletics Dr. William E. Martinov Jr.  "We will continue to embrace the challenges of this unique time with flexibility and compliance, and we thank our dedicated, passionate fans for their continued, unbridled support."
 
The NYS policy remains in effect until further notice and applies to all spectators, including the families of participants. Contests hosted by LIU will include only essential game management personnel. Please be aware that general access to both LIU campuses is not permitted.
 
The announcement is made in conjunction with the Northeast Conference's announcement Friday that it will not permit any spectators to attend the following NEC Championships: Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Basketball, Women's Bowling, Women's Volleyball, and Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving. Decisions about allowing spectators at NEC Championship events conducted beginning in mid-April will be made at a future date.
 
LIU fans are encouraged to support their Sharks by streaming games from the safety of their home via NEC Front Row. NEC Front Row is free for all users, and available on computers, or by cell phone and smart TVs with the NEC On the Run app.