Boys’ basketball: Chino Hills to offer refunds for fans left out of Friday game

Chino Hills had to turn away a group of fans who had tickets for Friday’s basketball playoff game against Santa Ana Mater Dei at Ayala and plans to offer refunds to those who failed to gain entrance, according to Athletic Director Phil Garcia.

Garcia said fans who arrived after the start of the 7 p.m. game could not get in because of the sold-out gym at Ayala.

Most of Chino Hills’ games this season have been producing sold-out gyms. The state playoffs that begin on March 11 for the Open Division could be especially challenging, since Chino Hills’ gym seats only 1,300.

The school is looking into holding games at larger facilities such as Cal Poly Pomona, Ayala, Colony or Damien but wants the CIF to pick up extra costs for facility, security and staff help.

A CIF representative said they are aware of Chino Hills’ issues and will be working to find alternative venues.

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