NCAA officially moves all 67 men's basketball tournament games to Indiana - but only 'limited' family can attend and fans could be banned
The NCAA announced Monday that this year's 67 men's basketball tournament games, including the Final Four, will be played entirely in Indiana, although fan access will likely be limited by the ongoing pandemic.
Games will be played on two courts inside Lucas Oil Stadium as well as at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena at Purdue and Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Only one game at a time will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Championship weekend is still scheduled for April 3 and April 5. Preliminary round dates have not yet been determined.
Jahlil Okafor #15 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots against Branden Dawson #22 and Colby Wollenman #41 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Indianapolis
Games will be played on two courts inside Lucas Oil Stadium (pictured here during the 2015 NCAA tournament) as well as at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena at Purdue and Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Only one game at a time will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium
It remains unclear how many fans, if any, will be permitted to attend games.
According to the NCAA statement, the organization is working with local health officials to 'determine the feasibility of having fans attend games at any of the venues.'
A limited number of family members will be permitted to attend, according to the NCAA.
'This is a historic moment for NCAA members and the state of Indiana,' NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. 'We have worked tirelessly to reimagine a tournament structure that maintains our unique championship opportunity for college athletes.
'The reality of today's announcement was possible thanks to the tremendous leadership of our membership, local authorities and staff.'
Ball State, Butler, Indiana, IUPUI, Purdue and the Horizon League will co-host the tournament and NCAA officials say most games will be played in Indianapolis. The NCAA also will partner with a local health provider to administer COVID-19 testing for players, coaches, school administrators and officials.
CBS Sports and Turner Sports will continue to distribute all 67 games of the tournament across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV and their digital platforms.
The empty seats at Assembly Hall on the Indiana University campus could continue into March
An overview of the arena as cardboard cutouts cover the student section before the start of the college basketball game between the Oakland Golden Grizzlies and the Purdue Boilermakers on December 1. Mackey Arena will host NCAA tournament games this year
'The 2021 version of March Madness will be one to remember, if for no other reason than the uniqueness of the event,' said NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt in a statement.
'With the direction of the Men's Basketball Committee, we are making the most of the circumstances the global pandemic has presented. 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.'
As previously reported, the NCAA will also be promoting a 'Masked Madness' campaign, aimed at encouraging people to protect themselves and others from coronavirus.
The Division I women's basketball tournament will likely be moved to the San Antonio area, according to multiple reports, although that has not been announced officially yet.
Kansas fans cheer during introductions before the game against the Creighton Bluejays