On the TunneySide of Sports March 15, 2021 #839 Up next… March Madness Is Here
After further review… It’s March Madness time again and, indeed, the prominent word is “Madness!” With our country’s pandemic still in place as we try to safely open schools, indoor- dining, and with sports opportunities becoming more prevalent, will this year’s March Madness operate as it did in 2020? It probably won’t. Of course, there is a plan in place, but the real question is will they be able to make it happen? Stay tuned!
The present NCAA plan is to hold this tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana with all 64 schools in or about that location. The plan that has been in operation in “normal” times is that selected teams would play their first game in the higher-seeded T*E*A*M’s home team arena. As the tournament progresses the winning teams would play in divisional tournaments with the winners moving on the next round and ultimately going on to the “Final Four” usually played on Saturday with the two winners playing for the NCAA Championship the following Monday night.
At this writing, all 64 teams will be in or about Indianapolis with
Lucas Stadium (home of the NFL Colts) being the site of the final four. Those Saturday semi-final games would split Lucas in half. The question is what is the process of even getting to Lucas? Like the guy asking: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall (in NYC) ?” The answer is “Practice! Practice! Practice!” The question here is, ”How do you get to Lucas?” The answer is: “Win! Win! WIN! In past years it was easily determined with the higher seed being at their home arena. But for 2021, various arenas in and around the Indianapolis complex had to be secured. Incidentally, ALL players, coaches, 96 officials, and media will be housed in and about the city of Indianapolis.
Let’s look at those playing locations.
- Indiana University in Bloomington is some 54 miles (1 hour + driving).
- Purdue University is 65 miles (1 hour+ driving).
- Butler University near downtown Indy.
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse is just minutes away from Central Indianapolis.
- Indianapolis State Fairgrounds is near the city.
- And Lucas Stadium will have 2 courts available, but will only use one at a time.
These six courts will be available throughout the tournament with play scheduled morning, afternoon, and evening. All of the above is tentative at this writing. It will be an interesting tournament.
Will you be watching CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV throughout the tournament from March 22nd – April 4th?
—————
Jim’s books “On the TunneySide of Sports” as well as “Chicken Soup for the Sports Fans Soul” are full of baseball stories. Each sells for $20. However, as a 2021-year special if two are bought, a third is included free of charge. All autographed with no tax and free shipping. Mail to: Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, Ca. 93953 Be well!
See the website for all products.
About Jim Tunney Ed.D
Retired NFL referee Jim Tunney gives his unique view of sports and life every Monday in his column, The TunneySide of Sports
