We Need March Madness [rev.]

The  NCAA should attempt the difficult task of conducting its  basketball tournaments in empty  arenas.  We need the positive energy of  March Madness to offset  the negative  energy connected to the COVID-19 virus.  March Madness can provide something to cheer about.

The entertainment industry has a long history of  entertaining military troops on the front lines to help the  morale of the troops.  Television has made it possible for troops on the front lines of  distant battle fields to watch major entertainment events like the Super Bowl.

.We  are all "troops" on a battle field a killer virus has invaded.  We need entertainers to boost our morale.   Unfortunately we tend to have widely different entertainment preferences.  March Madness and the Super Bowl  have a relatively broad appeal.  

March Madness can bring us together socially even if we are physically separate.  Physical separation can lead to social isolation and depression which can increase susceptibility to illness.  March Madness can give people something to talk about on their phones when many places are closed.

The NCAA could reduce the field to 32 teams and spread the opening round  over four days so people could watch all opening round games.

The military  could transport the teams to reduce the risk of  virus contact.

Participants in a March Madness tournament potentially could be safer than in the general population.  All games  could be played in the same arena.   Participants would all stay in the same hotel(s) along with hotel and arena employees to reduce contact with the general population.   People with hotel reservations could be given rooms in other hotels. Military personnel could help disinfect the buildings. Medical  personnel would monitor health  of participants  and   employees.

Placing  big screen televisions around the arena about  basket high would remind players that millions of  people  are watching even though the arena is empty.   The screens would show  groups  of   fans  of  the teams  in that game sent  over the internet.   The  volume would be at the normal crowd noise level.