Where Are The Locations For The Ncaa Basketball Tournament
Every March, basketball fans in the United States eagerly await the start of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness. This tournament is one of the biggest events in American sports and features 68 college basketball teams competing for the national championship. One of the most exciting parts of the tournament is the location of the games, as they are held in various cities across the country. In this article, we will explore the locations for the NCAA Basketball Tournament and the history behind each venue.
Dayton, Ohio
The NCAA Basketball Tournament begins with the First Four games, which are played in Dayton, Ohio. These games feature the four lowest-seeded at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic bid teams. The University of Dayton Arena has hosted the First Four since its inception in 2011 and has become a popular destination for basketball fans in the state of Ohio.
Regional Sites
After the First Four games, the remaining tournament games are held at various regional sites across the country. These sites are usually located in major cities and serve as the host location for multiple games. The four regional sites for the 2021 tournament are:
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana
Regional sites change every year, and the NCAA tries to ensure a fair distribution of sites across the country to give fans from different regions the opportunity to attend games in person.
Final Four
The Final Four is the most exciting part of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, as it features the four remaining teams competing for the national championship. The location of the Final Four changes every year and is determined years in advance by the NCAA. Past Final Four locations include:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- San Antonio, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
The 2021 Final Four will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This venue has a seating capacity of over 70,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in the country. The Final Four is a major event for basketball fans, and the host city is usually filled with activities and events leading up to the games.
Conclusion
The NCAA Basketball Tournament is a major event in American sports, and the location of the games is an important part of the experience. From Dayton, Ohio to the Final Four, basketball fans across the country have the opportunity to see their favorite teams compete in person. With the pandemic affecting the 2020 season, many fans are eager to return to the arenas in 2021 and cheer on their favorite teams. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the NCAA Basketball Tournament is sure to provide plenty of excitement and entertainment.