Indiana to host entire NCAA Tournament

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Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

March Madness is coming to Indiana.

The NCAA announced Monday it has reached an agreement with the state to host the entire 2021 national tournament, with a majority of the 67 games to take place in its capital, Indianapolis.

"This is a historic moment for NCAA members and the state of Indiana," NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement. "We have worked tirelessly to reimagine a tournament structure that maintains our unique championship opportunity for college athletes.

"The reality of today's announcement was possible thanks to the tremendous leadership of our membership, local authorities and staff."

Games will be played in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, and Indiana Farmers Coliseum. West Lafayette's Mackey Arena and Bloomington's Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall will also host matchups.

The Marion County Health Department has already approved the NCAA's medical protocols for the tournament, and the college sports organization plans to partner with a local health provider to deliver enough COVID-19 tests for players, staff, and referees.

"This is going to be complicated and difficult; there's no question about that," said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA's senior vice president of basketball.

"We appreciate the collaboration among the men's basketball committee and staff, our hosts and local organizers, the staffs at each practice and competition venue, and our broadcast and corporate partners," he added. "We will all pull together and stage a terrific national championship."

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