SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT: Ticket sales halted for boys opening round

THIS JUST IN: Per Julian Tackett and the KHSAA: Starting Friday, there will be an “extreme limit” on who can attend the Girls and Boys Sweet 16. Schools will be limited to players only on the postseason roster, and each player will only be awarded 4 family member tickets. Tickets will be assigned seating and separated with several rows between. This plan is for the entire Girls Sweet 16 and Boys as for now, will possibility of even more changes for the Boys tournament. No Bands or Cheerleaders for the remainder of the Sweet 16 Tournaments

Original story

INEZ – Martin County High School and the other 15 schools around the state have been asked by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) to halt ticket sales to the opening round games of the state tournament next week against Owensboro Catholic.

The Cardinals are making their first state tournament appearance since 1983. Martin County held off Lawrence County, 65-61 to punch its ticket.

KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett said his group started gathering data on the first night of the girls’ tournament Wednesday and would continue to do so today.

He said limiting those who would be able to attend the state tournament could happen as early as Friday, meaning fans would be left on the outside looking in.

Tackett doesn’t see the tournament being postponed because of contract obligation in place with Rupp Arena.

In addition, he doesn’t want it to play a factor in the beginning of spring sports statewide.