A crowd of 500 fans will be allowed at NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games at IU’s Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, per an IU release.
The 500 person crowd will be limited to the immediate family of players and staff, as well as a limited number of vaccinated medical personnel and first responders from Monroe County. The announcement comes after the Big Ten allowed similar crowds during the 2020-2021 season. IU’s only game with fans in attendance came in a 69-67 overtime loss at No. 20 Florida State.
Attendance at other NCAA tournament venues varies, with some allowing up to 25% capacity. Other venues will include Purdue’s Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, IUPUI’s Indiana Farmers Coliseum, and Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“The number one priority for decisions around the tournament continues to be the safety and well-being of everyone participating in the event,” said NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline in a statement. “We have been in regular conversations with the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and local health officials to make sure we have the right protocols in place to provide a safe environment.”
Information for ticketing procedures and availability will be available after March 1.
