Monroe County, NCAA Taking Precautions As Bloomington Prepares To Host Teams

Assembly Hall will host the opening and first rounds of the NCAA Tournament March 18-20. The entire tournament moved to Indiana to limit travel between sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At Assembly Hall itself we will go through the usual safety screening as you arrive, with signage reminding you of symptoms if you have them,” said Indiana University Assistant Vice President for Strategic Partnerships Kirk White.

The teams selected to play at the Bloomington site will stay at hotels in Indianapolis. 

“They are going to come to Bloomington from Indianapolis family, members are going to be allowed, I think up to a number of six per player. Those folks cannot interact with coaching staff or players or the players,” said White.

The general public will not be allowed to attend any tournament games at Assembly Hall.

However, a limited number of fans will be permitted to attend tournament games in West Lafayette and Indianapolis, as long as they wear masks and stay socially distanced.

The complete field of 68 teams will be unveiled Sunday, March 14.