USA TODAY International Edition
Hoosier State to host entire NCAA Tournament
The state of Indiana will host the entire Division I men’s basketball tournament with most of the games in Indianapolis, the NCAA announced Monday. Will fans be allowed to attend? The short answer: We don’t know yet. Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball, said family members of those participating in games will be allowed. However, the NCAA is “working with health officials” to determine the plausibility of fans in attendance.
The tournament remains scheduled to take place in March and early April with selection Sunday on March 14.
Games will be played on two courts inside Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as Bankers Life Fieldhouse ( Indianapolis), Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse ( Indianapolis), Indiana Farmers Coliseum ( Indianapolis), Purdue’s Mackey Arena ( West Lafayette) and Indiana’s Assembly Hall ( Bloomington). Only one game at a time will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium, according to the news release.
“The 2021 version of March Madness will be one to remember, if for no other reason than the uniqueness of the event,” Gavitt said in the release. “We’re fortunate to have neighbors and partners in Indianapolis and surrounding communities who not only love the game of basketball as much as anyone else in the country but have a storied history when it comes to staging major sporting events.
“This is going to be complicated and difficult; there’s no question about that. We appreciate the collaboration among the men’s basketball committee and staff, our hosts and local organizers, the staffs at each practice and competition venue, and our broadcast and corporate partners. We will all pull together and stage a terrific national championship.”
Fan attendance for other sporting events in and around Indianapolis has varied during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
The Colts were limited to hosting 10,000 fans for their final two home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is less than 16% of the stadium’s capacity of 63,000. This decision was made in consultation with the Marion County Public Health Department. The Pacers are playing games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse without fans. Hinkle Fieldhouse is currently allowing fans.
Last month, the NCAA said it intends to hold the women’s tournament at one site and is eyeing San Antonio.