MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The TBT will be played this summer but with a reduced field and altered format due to the pandemic.
Organizers of ‘The Basketball Tournament’, which is an annual event comprised mostly of college alumni squads, announced Wednesday that the traditional 64-team field will be reduced to 24 teams.
In previous years, eight regional winners from across the country would advance to the national quarterfinals. This year, all 23 tournament games will take place at a single, quarantined location. Dates and the tournament site have not yet been announced.
Tim Brady talks to @TonyCaridi, @BradHowe07 and @HunterWvu88bgn about the status of @thetournament being played at @CCCWVA. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/FEvKl73sl7
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) May 27, 2020
Players and staff will be tested for COVID-19 and quarantined in the days leading up to games.
“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,” said TBT Founder and CEO Jon Mugar.
“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.”
114 teams have applied to compete in this year’s tournament. The 24-team field will be announced in June.
The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center was previously selected as a regional site. Three West Virginia-based teams were scheduled to compete. ‘Best Virginia’ is a WVU alumni squad. ‘Herd That’ is a new Marshall alumni squad. The ‘Underground Kings’ are comprised of former Mountain East Conference players.
“I can tell you that Charleston is still in the mix,” said Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Tim Brady. “Charleston is one of the cities they are considering.”
Best Virginia is confirmed as one of the 24 teams in this year’s field.