Basketball

NCAA to permit set number of fans for Division I men’s basketball competition

The NCAA will permit a predetermined number of fans at each round of the current year’s men’s NCAA competition, it declared on Friday.

Up to 25% limit with physical removing will be allowed at all rounds, including the Final Four, a choice made related to state and neighborhood wellbeing experts in Indiana. The 25% will incorporate all members, staff and relatives just as fans. Covers and physical removing will be required.

“We continue to use the knowledge we have gained over the season on how to conduct games in a safe environment,” NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement.

The whole competition is occurring in Indianapolis and the encompassing region. The groups will remain at inns around the Indiana Convention Center, which will be utilized as a training office.

“This year’s tournament will be like no other, and while we know it won’t be the same for anyone, we are looking forward to providing a memorable experience for the student-athletes, coaches and fans at a once-in-a-lifetime tournament,” NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt said. “After the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, we are happy to welcome some fans back to all rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.”

The Final Four will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, with prior rounds at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, in addition to Mackey Arena in West Lafayette and Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

Gathering Hall will permit 500 onlookers to go to games held there, Indiana University said.

Choice Sunday is set for March 14, with the Final Four occurring April 3 and 5.