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Yep.
You heard that right.
March Madness, which will be hosted across Indiana at various venues, will allow 25% capacity at the venues.
The NCAA will allow up to 25% capacity for the 2021 men's basketball tournament, for all rounds, it announced Friday. https://t.co/3kQkUqw1PT
— Journal & Courier (@jconline) February 19, 2021
That means, in the first time in over a year this March, Mackey Arena will have fans.
While COVID is still a major problem in the United States - the NCAA believes with the continued acceleration of vaccinations, continued herd immunity occurring and the ability to spread fans out, 25% is doable.
I tend to agree. I don’t know how much I would pay to see Purdue play this March. But, I will be honest, it would probably be a decent hunk of change.
This brings a sense of normalcy to the Hoosier State, which has seen a continued improvement in the Covid-19 situation.
For one, I am extremely happy for the players, not just at Purdue, but all that will be involved in the tournament. They will get venues 25% full, where in most cases, have been empty all year. (Unless you are in Texas or Florida basically)
While Purdue won’t host a game at Mackey, all signs are pointing that we will be in the Big Dance and it will obviously be somewhere in Indiana. I am excited for Boilermakers statewide to get an opportunity to see our young team in the tournament. They have earned and deserved it, even with a small amount of attendees.
This is great news, the NCAA has been one of the more precautious organizations when it comes to fans coming to games. This shows a strong confidence in the direction of the pandemic, again, in my opinion.