Will fans be allowed at NCAA men's tournament games in Indianapolis? What we know

The state of Indiana will host the entire 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament with most of the games in Indianapolis. But will fans be allowed to attend?

The short answer: We don't know yet.

Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball, said family members of those participating in games will be allowed to attend. However, the NCAA is "working with health officials" to determine the plausibility of fans in attendance.

The tournament remains schedule to take place in March and early April with Selection Sunday March 14.

Fan attendance for other sporting events in and around Indianapolis has varied during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indianapolis Colts were limited to hosting 10,000 fans for their final two home games of the season at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is less than 16% of the stadium's capacity of 63,000. This decision was made in consultation with the Marion County Public Health Department, and was a decrease from the 12,500 fans allowed at games earlier in the season. 

The Indiana Pacers are playing home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse without fans in attendance. Several other venues which will host tournament games, including Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, and the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, are currently not allowing fans at games. Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is the only venue currently allowing fans. The venue was originally allowed to host fans up to a 25% capacity, but the Marion County Department of Health later lowered attendance to 15% capacity.