INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA is in preliminary talks with state and city officials to host the entire 68-team men’s basketball tournament in Indianapolis in the spring, the organization said.
Indianapolis was already slated to host the Men’s Final Four from April 3-5, 2021.
It is unclear if fans will be allowed to attend the games.
“We have learned so much from monitoring other successful sporting events in the last several months, and it became clear it’s not feasible to manage this complex championship in so many different states with the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball. “However, we are developing a solid plan to present a safe, responsible and fantastic March Madness tournament unlike any other we’ve experienced.”
The NCAA said the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee emphasized the importance of conducting the tournament in a manageable geographic area that limits travel and provides an environment with competition and practice venues, medical resources and lodging for teams and officials all near each another.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released the following statement:
“Indianapolis has a reputation for hosting the most successful major sporting events in the country – including eight Final Fours. Our city also boasts some of the nation’s top public health professionals, whose expertise will be crucial in planning for a safe tournament. We are confident that, thanks to the collaboration of our city’s civic organizations and the strength of our hospitality industry, Indianapolis can rise to this challenge. We look forward to continued conversations with the NCAA.”
