Earlier today the NCAA released a statement advising fans all across the nation that we are in for a tournament like no other. Which is great to hear considering last years tournament was canceled all-in-all thanks to a virus that made its way overseas and into the country early March.
Universities across the nation have had difficulty this year with scheduling since some have had to rearrange and postpone games due to others having an outbreak of the virus. To settle this issue, the entire tournament will take place in the state of Indiana with six different venues serving as hosts. Mackey Arena and Simons Skojodt Assembly Hall are both located outside the capitol in West Lafayette and Bloomington, respectively. The other four being Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Colesium, and Lucas Oil Stadium all located in Indianapolis.
Here is a guided schedule of the events rounding up:
Selection Sunday: March 14th
First Four: March 18th @ Mackey Arena and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
First Round: March 19th & 20th @ all six arenas will host games
Second Round: March 21st & 22nd @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, and Lucas Oil Stadium
Sweet 16: March 27th & 28th @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse
Elite 8: March 29th & 30th @ Lucas Oil Stadium
Final Four: April 3rd & 5th @ Lucas Oil Stadium
I know what you're thinking: Isn't Lucas Oil Stadium the Colts stadium? Why yes, indeed it is. This is a strange sight but we have seen it before, think back to the 2017 Final Four at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Identical to years prior, Selection Sunday will be held on March 14th and usually begins around 6 p.m. EST once all of the conference championships reside. Just four days later, we can see the Final Dance begin Thursday, March 18th.
Good news here! In years past, the Sweet 16 would be broadcasted on television on an overlapped schedule, this year things will be different. Each game of the eight total for this round will have their own window on television at separate times, making it easier for viewers to engulf themselves in college basketball for an entire weekend.
Make sure to print your bracket and have your pencils ready, I know you missed some NCAA tournament action!