NCAA March Madness Tournament Bubbles

John: Hey, guys. Well, today we’re discussing a topic that interests me big-time. I miss not being able to attend a live game of any kind, so, at the very least, it’s nice to be able to still see an annual sports event we’re used to. Last year, in 2020, there were no NCAA “March Madness” Basketball tournaments—men or women—so to learn that bubbles are being set up for the tournaments is all right. I mean, this gives everyone an opportunity to not only forget the normal daily stresses, but, also, it's the best cure to unite all. Nothing does it like sports…no matter your race or gender.

Patrick: Yeah, I hadn’t heard about it until you hipped me to it, John. Now, I remember how it began with me while watching the NBA Playoffs; I didn’t like the whole sterile feel of it: fake fans, piped-in sound, players hyping crowds that weren’t even there. But I came around. Faded into not even realizing there wasn’t a crowd—just the other team for the most part.

Russ: So you’re saying your acceptance had nothing to do with your love of the Lakers, huh?

Patrick: I don’t understand. ALL: (Laughter.)

Donald: Well, I don’t know about you, Patrick, but that did help me stay with it. Shoot, with the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, I felt the Lakers needed to complete the season. And that they completed it with a championship only topped the cake. As for the bubble action in Indiana for March Madness, I’m okay with it. Now, I’m not so sure about the 6 locations being only in Indiana, but I guess because the Final Four was already scheduled for Indianapolis, then it makes sense.

Russ: I like it. It doesn’t matter to me. Like I said before, I breathe sports. I love to spend my time watching all of 'em. I don’t even “not see” the fans anymore. Occasionally, I invite a couple of folks over and we watch a game or two— socially-distanced of course. We make our own fan section, know what I mean? Boil up some hotdogs or buy some fried fish and wings, crack open a few bags of chips, turn up a beer or three, and we feel like we’re dang near in the stadium. As for the bubbles, they don’t bother me. I hate that last year we didn’t get to experience the Madness. It really bothered me…even though I got it, what with the pandemic and all.

John Hagan

John: Yeah, I’m with you on that, Russ. For this year, I believe that as long as the teams follow the rules and regulations of what the CDC requires in regard to COVID-19, then, for one year, it’ll work. Now, if it goes on longer and becomes the norm, I feel advertisers, universities, and the travel industry will lose a lot of money, which will cause many layoffs—not cool. Donald: I’m worried about the spread of the virus as well, but I believe, with the bubble, it’s minimizing the threat compared to if the tournament was held normally all over the U.S.

Patrick: It’s tough. Don, you’re right: By holding it in one state, it’s the lesser of two evils. However, the players— young men and women—are still being subjected to a higher risk of infection than if the tournament was cancelled. But I get it…I guess. It might be okay.

John: So, I’m in. Fellas, in or out?

Patrick: In.

Russ: In.

Donald: Unanimous it is.

Donald Morris

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