TTU Begins Basketball Practice, Planning for Fans at The Hoop

Tennessee Tech kicked off basketball practice Wednesday in preparation for starting the season November 25.

Tennessee Tech Athletic Director Mark Wilson said the plan is to have fans in attendance at the Hooper Eblen Center. Wilson said the university is working with the Putnam County Health Department to get the seal of approval.

“As long as we implement universal masking, so everybody from the time that they step through the doors until the time they leave, will have to be wearing a mask in the Hooper Eblen Center,” Wilson said. “They will have to be socially distanced, so we’re beginning to work on seating plans.”

Wilson said Capacity has not been set and is waiting on NCAA guidelines on venues and TTU season ticket holders. Wilson said the OVC’s conference schedule and Tech’s non-conference schedule is still being finalized.

“We basically have a complete blow up of our non-conference schedule,” Wilson said. “Having to move things around to be able to get the guarantee games that we desire.”

Wilson said the overlap between football and basketball will luckily be short. However, Wilson said this is still an operational challenge because of the athletic department’s small staff, and having overlap beyond football and basketball.

“It’s not just football and basketball, it’s baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, track, cross county, golf,” Wilson said. “All of those sports are going to overlap in the Spring and we’re going to work hard to do our very best to provide a great experience for student athletes and spectators.”

Wilson said the OVC Board of Directors of Athletics and Board of Presidents have been reviewing NCAA documents. NCAA basketball is approved as long as institutions follow its Re-socialization of Collegiate Sports documents.