Decision on March Madness Fans Expected Next Month
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe decision by the NCAA to hold its entire 67-game Men’s Basketball Championship in Indiana is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the central Indiana economy, some suggest to the tune of at least $100 million. A decision on allowing fans to attend the games could add significantly to that number. NCAA Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt says right now only family members of student-athletes, coaches and administrators involved with the games are approved to attend, but that could change.
“We have hope that there may be fans in attendance, but really that’s going to be a mutual decision with the Marion County Health Department, the NCAA and it won’t be made until probably early February,” said Gavitt.
Gavitt talked about the decision to select Indiana as the lone location for the tournament on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.
In announcing plans for the 2021 tournament, NCAA President Mark Emmert called the move “a historic moment for NCAA members and the state of Indiana.”
Games will be played on two courts at Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, and Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indy. Additionally, games will be held at Mackey Arena on the Purdue University campus and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at Indiana University.
The Indiana Convention Center will be used as a practice facility with multiple courts.
While other cities and regions were considered to host the tournament, Gavitt says an all-Hoosier March Madness was a natural decision.
“Really, our focus was all along on Indianapolis and the state of Indiana,” said Gavitt. “The incredible history and tradition for the tournament here, of course, and just incredible relationships with success of having March Madness hosted here so successfully so many times…so while others were considered, the work over the last several weeks to come to Monday’s exciting announcement was really focused on Indianapolis.”