The NCAA is going to push forward with a men’s basketball Tournament this March because a once in a century global pandemic is no reason to once again lose millions upon millions of dollars in revenue for the second straight year.
According to reports, the NCAA has decided that Indiana will host the entirety of the men’s Tournament in six separate venues across the city of Indianapolis and the rest of the State.
“This is a historic moment for NCAA members and the state of Indiana,” NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement. “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.”
ESPN.com
So why Indiana?
Well, NCAA headquarters is located in downtown Indianapolis which I’m sure is convenient. The city of Indianapolis also has had plenty of experience hosting large sporting events, notably NCAA Tournament games and the Final Four. Indiana also has a number of large venues located in short proximity to each other that had to be approved by the NCAA.
One other reason though that I’m sure the NCAA wouldn’t like to admit is Indiana being a red state and Republicans much more friendly to open things up for business, whether it be a restaurant, bar, and/or sports venue for a major event.
Currently, within Indiana, all major consumer facets are open to the public whether it be retail, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and all entertainment venues. Some counties though are limited to 25 people or fewer gatherings, however, I doubt that’ll affect anything happening with the Tournament come March. If anything restrictions in that State will probably less be restricted come the time the Tournament is scheduled to begin.
When it comes to surrounding states, Illinois and Michigan both have democratic governors and more restrictions when it comes to entertainment venues, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. When it comes to Ohio, Republican governor Mike DeWine has businesses open but did have a curfew implemented.