March Madness — the entire NCAA college basketball tournament — will take place in the state of Indiana in 2021, officials confirm.
It’s the first time in the history of the tournament that all 67 games will take place in the same state — and, of course, it’s all because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCAA says it’s “partnering with a local health provider to administer COVID-19 testing within the controlled environment for players, coaching staffs, administrators and officials.”
“The Marion County Health Department has approved medical protocols shared by the NCAA and will continue collaborating with the NCAA leading up to and during the championship.”
The majority of the games will take place in Indianapolis — with some contests going down in West Lafayette and Bloomington.
Several Indiana-based universities will technically “host” the tournament — including Ball State, Butler, Indiana University and Purdue, among others. The school will lend their facilities and staffs to assist with tournament operations.
The NCAA says teams will be allowed to use the Indiana Convention Center as a practice facility, with multiple courts set up inside the venue.
Most teams will stay at Marriott hotel properties — which happens to be an official NCAA corporate partner.
COVID protocols will be in full effect — “All teams will be housed on dedicated hotel floors, with physically distanced meeting and dining rooms, as well as secure transportation to and from competition venues.”
The NCAA says Selection Sunday is still scheduled for March 14 — with the Final Four games set to take place on April 3 and 5.
The org notes, “The exact preliminary round dates are still to be determined.”
“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.”
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