March Madness 2021: Will Fans Be Allowed For NCAA Tournament, Final Four?

This year’s NCAA Tournament will be different in many ways, from the location of the venues to an adjusted schedule. Attendance for March Madness 2021 is also going to be unlike that of past years as college basketball attempts to crown a national champion during a pandemic.

A limited number of fans will be allowed to watch the NCAA Tournament in-person, the NCAA announced Friday. In every round, arenas will be filled up to 25% capacity. Fans will be required to wear face coverings during games and physical distancing will be instituted.

“This year’s tournament will be like no other, and while we know it won’t be the same for anyone, we are looking forward to providing a memorable experience for the student-athletes, coaches and fans at a once-in-a-lifetime tournament,” said Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball. “After the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, we are happy to welcome some fans back to all rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.”

That includes the Final Four and the national championship game, which will be played at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. When the venue hosted the national title game six years ago, more than 71,000 fans were in attendance.

Up to 25% capacity could mean just south of 18,000 people will be in-person for the Final Four and championship game.

“We continue to use the knowledge we have gained over the season on how to conduct games in a safe environment,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “I want to thank our host universities and conferences, the Indiana State Health Department, and the leaders in the Marion, Monroe and Tippecanoe county health departments as they help make that possible.”

There are 67 total games scheduled for the NCAA Tournament. The contests will be spread across six different venues in Indiana.

March Madness is set to begin on March 18. The Final Four is scheduled for April 3 and 5.