For the past two seasons, NCAA basketball has been through multiple changes and challenges in completing and competing in the National Tournament. Last year, the tournament was cancelled as a whole, leaving fans outraged and disappointed. However, the virus is still prevalent today, but the NCAA has announced that the entirety of the tournament will be played in the state of Indiana.
Unsurprisingly, most are unfamiliar with the reasons why the tournament is being played in Indiana. Many reasons come into play, according to ESPN staff writer Myron Medcalf. He describes how the tournament will house most of the teams in hotels that are connected to the Indianapolis Convention Center by walkways above the street. The Convention Center is going to home all of the practices for the 67 teams competing in the tournament. Therefore, most teams can stay indoors due to how most of Indy is connected in those areas.
Additionally, the NCAA headquarters is stationed in the state of Indiana. This is why Indiana has been given the opportunity to make history. Games are to be played in multiple venues across the state of Indiana within a two hour radius. Game locations at the moment include Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse,
and Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Similarly, arenas at Purdue and IU will be functioning as tournament sites. Bankers Life, Hinkle, and Indiana Farmers Coliseum are located in the Indianapolis area. However, other teams will take center stage at Assembly Hall in Bloomington and Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.

In recent news, the tournament is looking to allow fans based on what venue they will attend. Therefore, the opportunity with fans is going to happen. Tickets were limited, so only select fans will get to share in this experience. Selection Sunday occurred on March 14 where some teams on the edge found out if they are going to be competing in the big dance. The first four will play on March 18th, then the official round starts the day after. The first round of the tournament will commence
on March 19th and 20th. Then, the NCAA will crown a champion in Lucas Oil Stadium on April 5th. The last tournament was played over two years ago Virginia was made champions.

This will be a different tournament that most are used to, but the excitement is still present. Many fear that contact tracing and positives cases could ruin there teams hopes of lifting the trophy. This could be a cause for concern as the games begin. As of now, the 2021 NCAA Men’s National Tournament is still set to be played. Even with restrictions, the competitions is ready to make its mark on the country.