NCAA Will Allow a Limited Number of Fans at 2021 NCAA Tournaments

The NCAA announced on Friday that it will allow a limited number of fans at the 2021 men's and women's NCAA tournaments.

Events at the men's tournament, including all rounds and the Final Four, will allow up to 25% capacity. The event capacity includes athletes, coaches, essential staff and players' family members, as well as a reduced number of fans.

The women's tournament, which is being held in the San Antonio region, can have a capacity of up to 17% from the Sweet Sixteen through the Final Four. For first- and second-round play, which will take place March 21-24, attendance will be limited to team players and guests, with each member of the 34-member official team travel party allowed up to six tickets for guests.

Decisions regarding attendance at the men's and women's tournaments were made in accordance with state and local health authorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All attendees must wear face coverings and practice social distancing during games.

Last month, the NCAA announced it will hold the entire 2021 men's tournament in the state of Indiana, with the majority of the tournament's 67 games taking place in Indianapolis. Hosts include Ball State University, Butler University, the Horizon League, Indiana University, IUPUI and Purdue University, which are lending their facilities and staffs to assist with tournament operations. The Indiana Convention Center will be used as a practice facility, with multiple courts set up inside the venue.

The 2021 men's tournament is set to begin with the First Four on Thursday, March 18. The full schedule of rounds can be found here.

First- and second-round play of the women's tournament will be held at the Alamodome, Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary's (Texas), Frank Erwin Center (Texas), University Events Center (Texas State) and the UTSA Convocation Center. The Alamodome will host the Sweet Sixteen through the Final Four.

Tournament protocols in Indiana and Texas include on-site testing, physical distancing, masking and contact tracing requirements.