INDIANAPOLIS — The rush towards March Madness is already hitting downtown. While though there's no word yet on whether fans will be in the stands, Hoosiers are still pumped about the upcoming games being held in the Circle City.
The NCAA announced Jan. 4 the entire men's basketball tournament will be held in Indiana. The decision to host the tournament in one location came after the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people come to Indy for that tournament, so getting people out in a time like this is a good thing as long as they are social distancing. It’s a way for people to get out for a bit,” Steven Gutzwiller said.
As soon Gutzwiller heard about games will be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, they instantly felt it would be the escape everyone needs right now.
“For my family, we fill out brackets. It’s a way to connect even though we can’t be together from a social standpoint its huge,” Gutzwiller said.
There's no doubt areas in downtown like Mass Ave will see an increase in traffic come March.
"I just turned 21, so I haven't experienced March Madness at the bars. I definitely see if you are not at the game and just at the bar watching, I feel like that atmosphere will be insane,” John Landis said.
