NCAA March Madness goes to Indianapolis bubble

After the 2020 NCAA March Madness tournament was cancelled last season, it seems all parties involved are taking every precaution to not let that happen in 2021.

The NCAA announced Monday that all of the men's college basketball tournament games for 2021 are to be held in a single geographical location:

Indianapolis was set to be host the Final Four for the upcoming March Madness tournament, with 13 other venues hosting all other regional games before this announcement.

“My committee colleagues and I did not come lightly to the difficult decision to relocate the preliminary rounds of the 2021 tournament, as we understand the disappointment 13 communities will feel to miss out on being part of March Madness next year,” said Mitch Barnhart, chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and University of Kentucky athletics director. “With the University of Kentucky slated to host first- and second-round games in March, this is something that directly impacts our school and community, so we certainly share in their regret. The committee and staff deeply appreciate the efforts of all the host institutions and conferences, and we look forward to bringing the tournament back to the impacted sites in future years.”

Pitt are among programs not utilizing confined environments for the regular season. A tournament bubble would attempt to ensure no disruptions much like the models employed by the NBA and NHL for their postseasons over the summer.

“The committee and staff have thoughtfully monitored the pandemic to develop potential contingency plans,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA President. “The Board of Governors and my top priorities are to protect the health and well-being of college athletes while also maintaining their opportunity to compete at the highest level. These principles have guided the decision-making process as we continue to assess how to have a fair and safe championship experience.”