NCAA to allow limited fans at Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The NCAA will allow a limited number of fans at the NCAA Tournament, including all rounds and the Four Finals.

The decision to allow up to 25% capacity by body speed was made in conjunction with state and local health authorities due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The potential of the event will include participants, essential staff and family members of student-athletes and coaches of each participating team and a smaller number of fans. All attendees must have a front cover and physical distance throughout the event. Thorough cleaning, disinfection and safety measures will be a priority in all facilities, the NCAA said.

“We will continue to use the knowledge we have gained over the season on how we can keep games in a safe environment,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “I want to thank our universities and hosting conferences, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the leaders in the health departments of Marion, Monroe and Tippecanoe counties for helping to do just that. ”

The Big East Tournament, set for March 10-13 at Madison Square Garden, will not disappoint fans, a source told me for NJ Advance Media. That policy is subject to change.

The NCAA has previously announced that it will host the entire 2021 men’s basketball tournament in Indiana, with the majority of the tournament’s 67 games taking place in Indianapolis.

“This year’s competition will be unlike any other, and while we know it won’t be the same for anyone, we look forward to providing a memorable experience for the students- athletes, coaches and fans at the same time. lifelong competition, ”said Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball. “Following the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, we are delighted to welcome some fans back to all rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.”

The NCAA formally contributed to COVID-19 health and safety protocols for the tree in conjunction with local authorities. The protocols include test, face coverage, physical speed and contact detection requirements before teams arrive and during their stay in the competition.

“The safety and well-being of everyone participating in the event is the top priority for decisions around the competition,” said NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline. “We have been in regular contact with the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and local health officials to ensure we have the right protocols in place to provide a safe environment. In addition, IU Health provides diagnostic and diagnostic testing services that allow us to run the competition safely. ”

The competition will be hosted by Ball State, Butler, Horizon League, Indiana, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue, who are lending their facilities and staff to help with the operation of the tournament. The Indiana Convention Center will be used as a utility facility, with several courts established within the center. Dedicated attendance numbers will vary by venue due to capacity and further ticket sales information will be available after 1 March.