The Big Ten announced Wednesday it will allow schools to host fans at games in accordance with local health guidelines and restrictions for the rest of the 2020-21 regular season. The policy is effective immediately, and it also covers spring football games. Previously, Big Ten competitions were closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic. "The decision to follow local health guidelines and restrictions was made jointly by the Big Ten Conference Directors of Athletics and the Council of Presidents and Chancellors in consultation with university medical experts and the conference office,” the conference said in a statement. "The goal is to transition from a conference-wide approach to local decision-making in consultation with public health departments and university medical experts.” Earlier this month, the Big Ten hosted fans at its men’s and women’s basketball conference tournaments in Indianapolis, and it announced its intention to host fans at remaining conference tournaments and championships in accordance with local regulations. Penn State is slated to host the Big Ten men’s and women’s lacrosse tournaments later this spring at Panzer Stadium. Currently, Penn State is planning to host only University Park first-year students and the families and guests of student-athletes, coaches and staff members at Beaver Stadium for its final spring football practice April 17. On March 15, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced the state would ease restrictions surrounding coronavirus mitigation April 4. At that point, allowable attendance at outdoor events will be raised to 50% of the occupancy limit. The Borough of State College is currently under an emergency ordinance that requires face coverings, sets limits on gathering sizes and more through at least May 31. "Procedures for all remaining 2020-21 Big Ten championships, tournaments and regular season competitions will be designed to meet local and CDC guidelines to help limit the spread of covid-19 as the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, fans and campus communities remain our highest priority,” the conference said in its statement.