Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Angelo Winkel of Bishop Garrigan reacts after recording a block to help preserve the Golden Bears’ Class 1A state quarterfinal win over Springville on Monday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — As professional and college sports around the world came to a halt on Thursday, the boys state basketball tournament here inside Wells Fargo Arena played on.

Consolation finals and semifinals took place as normal, but that all will change on the fifth and final day.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association sent out a press release stating that games played on Friday in both consolations and championship rounds will be open to only team members, game officials, essential tournament workers, Iowa Events Center staff, limited credentialed media and select school spectators. Those in attendance for that game will also be asked to leave the facility as soon as it is completed.

Each school playing a game Friday will be allowed up to 100 total entrants free of charge. That includes the official team traveling party, with the IHSAA recommending that immediate family members be included.

Schools are required to submit a list of names to the association.

“The IHSAA has coordinated with health officials, state and local government, and Iowa Events Center throughout this week’s event, with updated guidance requiring these measures,” the release stated. “The IHSAA acknowledges these updates are inconvenient and unprecedented. The understanding of member schools and communities is sincerely appreciated.”

Games will be available for viewing on Iowa High School Sports Network free and via an app.

Bishop Garrigan, making its state championship game debut, plays Wapsie Valley at 2 p.m. in the first of four back-to-back finals.

Angelo Winkel, a junior for the Golden Bears, expressed his disappointment in the change on social media.

“This just doesn’t feel right, worked my whole life for this moment, countless days spent at the gym with my friends,” he wrote on Twitter. “Just to play in an empty gym, the state title is all about playing in front of your town, friends and family. I’m sick to my stomach.”

Spectators who purchased tickets in advance of Friday’s games at Wells Fargo Arena will be refunded at the point of purchase.