March Madness to be held entirely in Indiana in 2021

(Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

By Sam Britt

The entire 2021 NCAA Divison I men’s basketball championship, commonly referred to as March Madness, will take place exclusively in Indiana, according to the NCAA’s website.

The majority of the tournaments 67 games will take place in Indianapolis. Ball State, Butler, the Horizon League. Indiana and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue are all lending their facilities to the tournament.

Two courts will be set up inside Lucas Oil Stadium to play games. Other sites include Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkie Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

“This is a historic moment for NCAA members and the state of Indiana,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “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.”

MarketWatch reports that last year schools lost out on $375 million dollars due to the cancellation of the tournament. USA Today reports that the NCAA relies on March Madness for nearly all of its roughly $1.1 billion in normal annual revenue.

The NCAA stated that it is partnering with local health providers to administer COVID-19 tests. The NCAA is also monitoring the pandemic and will work with local officials to determine the viability of fan attendance at the venues.

“This is going to be complicated and difficult,” said NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt. “There’s no question about that. We appreciate the collaboration among the Men’s Basketball Committee and staff, our hosts and local organizers, the staff at each practice and competition venue, and our broadcast and corporate partners. We will all pull together and stage a terrific national championship.”

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