At a press conference this morning, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine clarified that spectators will not be permitted at the Arnold Sports Festival scheduled to open this morning in downtown Columbus. Earlier this week Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced that all events except the final competition would be closed to spectators, over fears of the spread of the corona virus.
Today the governor doubled down on that position, with an order issued by Ohio Department of Health director Amy Acton. Spectators will be allowed to attend the finals of a handful of events on Friday and Saturday, and the parents or guardians of minors participating in events will be allowed to attend.
Organizers say refunds will be offered to ticket holders of the closed door events, and information will be available on their website.
The festival, which is part competition and part fitness trade show, attracts an estimated 200,000 people from 80 countries.
