The University of Minnesota canceled in-person classes for the rest of this month, and U President Joan Gabel canceled "all nonessential, University-funded travel" because of COVID-19 concerns. Gophers sports teams, however, still are preparing to play their scheduled games and events in various cities across the country.

Paul Rovnak, the athletics department director of communications, said in a statement Wednesday the travel restriction does not affect competing teams "at this time."

Gophers sports teams are competing this week in Indiana, Hawaii, Louisiana, Tennessee, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and Pennsylvania.

"There have been no changes [to the Gophers athletics' schedule]," Rovnak's statement said.

But fans won't be allowed to attend many, if any, of these events. The NCAA announced a no-spectator policy for championship events because of virus concerns, and the U said Wednesday night its following suit. No fans will be allowed at sporting events at the U until further notice. Family and "essential" staff will be allowed to attend. "Minnesota will work with the Big Ten to review this policy moving forward," the U's statement said, adding that safety is its top priority.

Megan Ryan