For the first time in 81 years, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, known as March Madness, as well as the women’s basketball championship, will not happen over fears the coronavirus could spread. The tournaments were originally going to be held with only essential personnel and the families of players allowed in the arena. That all changed on March 12. The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced the cancellation of all remaining winter and remaining spring championships. This includes the College World Series and the Women’s College World Series.
As many sports fans know, March Madness is a big deal. Office pools spring up as people place their bets on who they believe will be the champion of men’s college basketball. I admit to betting on games as a kid. Even as I got older, I continued to fill out a bracket.
The selection show for the NCAA tournament was scheduled for March 15, with the National Invitation Tournament selection show to follow. It’s not just the NCAA tournament that is cancelled. The collegeinsider.com tournament and College Basketball Invitational tournament have also been cancelled.
Many college championship tournaments have also been cancelled for both the men’s and women’s teams. This is all over fear the coronavirus could spread.
In a statement published on ncaa.org, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors said the decision was based on the ongoing public health threat of the coronavirus, the ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.
You can find the latest news by going to ncaa.org and information about ticket refunds by going to ncaa.com.
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