Wichita State in the running to be the singular host of TBT this summer
Wichita State is in the running to be the singular host of The Basketball Tournament this summer.
On Wednesday, TBT announced it has altered its format in response to the coronavirus pandemic to 24 teams playing at one venue over a 10-day span — trimmed from 64 teams at eight regional sites. The tournament will still be single elimination and offer a winner-take-all money prize, although TBT told The Eagle on Wednesday that discussions were ongoing about whether the traditional $2 million would still be at stake.
TBT confirmed to The Eagle that Wichita State is “one of several different sites” being considered to play host. Wichita was originally picked to be a regional host from July 30-Aug. 3 after record-shattering attendance last summer at Koch Arena.
A source with direct knowledge of the situation said if WSU won the bid it would host the 24 participating teams in dorms on campus. The source also said the tentative plan is for no fans to be in attendance, although that could change if Koch Arena is able to follow local guidelines at the time of the event.
In a news release, TBT said all participants will be tested regularly for COVID-19 and all teams will be kept separate at all times in quarantine. A positive test will lead to the removal of the entire team from the event. The 10-day span for the new tournament will be worked out with the eventual host site.
“After reviewing all available science and data, working with experts, and receiving support from our partners, we’ve devised a plan we are confident protects the health and safety of our participants and staff to the greatest extent possible,” TBT founder Jon Mugar said in the release. “At the forefront is our single-elimination format, ability to test and quarantine the field and keep teams separate at all times. We look forward to hosting an incredible group of teams and crowning a champion this summer.”
More than 115 teams have applied for entry into the TBT this summer. The 24-team field will be announced in June.
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