PROVIDENCE – Businesses in and around Providence stand to lose out on as much as $4 million in spending by college basketball fans next March because the NCAA plans to hold its 2021 men’s college basketball tournament in location, WJAR-TV Channel 10 reported on Nov. 16.
First- and second-round games were scheduled for March 18 and 20 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence. Those games draw thousands of fans who stay for the weekend, spending money at local establishments.
The NCAA said it will hold the tournament at one location to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and is in talks with Indianapolis to be the host city.
The Rhode Island Sports Commission set the loss in consumer spending in the state at $4 million.
“While we’re very disappointed in this decision, we realize that health and safety should be the top priority at this time,” John Gibbons, commission executive director, said in a statement. “We’ve enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the NCAA and will continue to work with them and Providence College, our collegiate partners, as we look forward to welcoming the tournament again in 2025.”