No fans at NCAA men's or women's tournament [merged thread]

[Kaizen]

My sister just received a call from the airline company. Because of lack of customs they change her international fly from 3/26 to 3/27 (used to be one flight daily now is every other day). This may be a big problems for lot customers due to hotel, car rental and business appointments already.

Cannot believe this situation is so bad ...

 

[Beemer]

I'd rather see the NCAA do this than cancel. Of course they may end up doing that but for now at least the athletes will get to compete.

 

[MSGRET]

You can cancel the tournament and let the AP, coaches, and selection committee crown a champion. That is how they use to do it in college football in the old days.

Not going to happen, either they play or no champion.

 

[Wbbfan1]

30 Minutes into Sports Center with Stephen A Smith and all he's covered is what the NBA MIGHT Do and hasn't covered the NCAA Tournament Story which happened today.

 

[triaddukefan]

Well the Big 12 and Big 10 men's tournaments are barring fans now. The ACC tournament is playing with fans at the moment.... but I guess they will likely follow suit beginning tomorrow. Another blow for my city

 

[Biff]

Since family members will be allowed in I have filed papers to adopt Anna. I know somewhere in my family tree there is some Eastern European blood in me. This will get me into all the games, air flights are empty with cheap fares. I still have some hotel points from last years AAC tournie.

Good luck to the rest of you.

Hmmm. Great idea. Prepare for a custody battle!

 

[BBallF]

Geography shouldn’t be a factor in determining seeding for the women’s tournament then. Therefore, UConn should be in Ft. Wayne
[/QUOTE

I agree. The selection committee then can have a true S curve seeding.

But you know they won't. They will say the 350 mile limit is for the team travel and they should only have to pay bus costs and not plane costs. Then they will say the rule about regional teams from the same conference still applies. Face it, we are going to Portland but the Oregon fans will not be in the stands!

 

[Plebe]

Well the Big 12 and Big 10 men's tournaments are barring fans now. The ACC tournament is playing with fans at the moment.... but I guess they will likely follow suit beginning tomorrow. Another blow for my city

Do you think there's any option at this point, short of cancellation?

 

[eebmg]

Any news on how this might affect the HS state tournaments like Paige's?

 

[and one]

Curious to see how big of a pain it is going to be to get a refund for my regional tickets.

Not being sarcastic (really) but I hope ticket refunds are the worst of your/our problems.

 

[Argonaut]

Ticketmaster (or whoever) getting to keep “applicable fees” is some bullfeces.

 

[triaddukefan]

Ticketmaster (or whoever) getting to keep “applicable fees” is some bullfeces.

 

[Steelerone]

I think that psychologically this is going give the favored teams a huge advantage. In many games where the fan watching a game where he or she is not committed the team will root for the underdog. However small it does give that team an emotional lift, sometimes to the point where they play beyond their capabilities. Sadly, this will not be in play during this tournament.

 

[Zanzman]

Always works that way just like a rain out in baseball

 

[triaddukefan]

Do you think there's any option at this point, short of cancellation?

Not sure...... might go down to the Coliseum and see if I can find any BC fans and see if they want to give me their tickets.. just in case

 

[JavaMan]

You can cancel the tournament and let the AP, coaches, and selection committee crown a champion. That is how they use to do it in college football in the old days.

That's why the old days are the old days. We now have much more sophisticated ways to screw things up.

 

[triaddukefan]

 

[WestCoast]

Just take the top 4 teams..play 2 consecutive days in Indiannoplis...and crown a champin.

A simple solution that would leave a rather hollow outcome but would protect many from potential exposure. I think that the tourney would be cancelled altogether rather than limit it to four teams.

 

[Plebe]

Not going to happen, either they play or no champion.

Of course the South Carolina fans are going to go blue in the face demanding the "paper champion" option

 

[triaddukefan]

Do you think there's any option at this point, short of cancellation?

ACC just announced... no more fans after tonight

 

[Plebe]

ACC just announced... no more fans after tonight

Sorry to hear that. But they were late to the game frankly. No pun intended

 

[Kaizen]

 

[RockyMTblue2]

That's Geno. Short, sweet and entirely right.

 

[ochoopsfan]

The one time USC(west coast) would have a major advantage, no fans attending games, they cant make the tournament.
Oh wait, they never make the tournament, except 2014 when they lost on a last second 3 pointer to St. Johns at Rocky Top and I was there.

 

[LowkeyX]

Games won't be as fun to watch on TV without any crowd reactions. I'll watch the UConn games and their future potential opponents, but I don't know how many 1st or 2nd round games I'll watch. I think the Telecast are going to be boring.

I go back and forth on whether this is an overreaction but I guess in the long run its a good decision. Those susceptible to getting the Coronavirus will still get the virus but it does limit the number of people they will come in contact with.

I agree, the only excitement will be seeing the top teams go at it... basically sweet 16 & on... the only
real excitement with most first round games are the enthusiastic lively crowds but without it, it will be like watching an exhibition/scrimmage.