For the first time in 85 years, the NIT semifinals and finals will not be held at “The Mecca,” Madison Square Garden.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the next two years of the NIT are out for bid; and the decision to move the tournament was mutual.
“The NIT semis and finals will not be held in Madison Square Garden in 2023 and 2024,” Thamel tweeted. “Ending a run there that began in 1938. The next two years are out for bid, with destinations ranging from historic venues like Hinkle FieldHouse to more resort destinations like Vegas.”
Sources: The NIT semis and finals will not be held in Madison Square Garden in 2023 and 2024, ending a run there that began in 1938. The next two years are out for bid, with destinations ranging from historic venues like Hinkle FieldHouse to more resort destinations like Vegas.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 23, 2022
College hoops fans reacted to the news on Twitter.
“Heard a rumor about this last week,” replied Athlon Sports’ Bryan Fischer. “I don’t get the reason to even have the NIT if that’s truly the case.”
Heard a rumor about this last week. I don’t get the reason to even have the NIT if that’s truly the case. https://t.co/5eBPiwqgTd
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) March 23, 2022
“That’s just brutal,” commented Utah beat writer Josh Newman.
That’s just brutal. https://t.co/m83SdqvbNu
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) March 23, 2022
“I’m not usually one to NITpick but I’d go with Hinkle,” joked Bill Oram of The Athletic.
I’m not usually one to NITpick but I’d go with Hinkle. https://t.co/yfCkU79HhM
— Bill Oram (@billoram) March 23, 2022
“If you’re gonna eliminate the one cool thing about the NIT, at least send it to Vegas,” said Russell Steinberg.
If you’re gonna eliminate the one cool thing about the NIT, at least send it to Vegas https://t.co/LsqPTM5ASk
— Russell Steinberg (@Russ_Steinberg) March 23, 2022
“That’s disappointing,” tweeted Josh Furlong. “That’s some of the allure of going to the NIT. I guess Vegas will do, too.”
That’s disappointing. That’s some of the allure of going to the NIT.
I guess Vegas will do, too. https://t.co/4zMVsBZLGy
— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) March 23, 2022
“What on earth is the point of the NIT if you’re not gonna put it in MSG?” asked one user.
What on earth is the point of the NIT if you’re not gonna put it in MSG?https://t.co/9mDylv2t3D
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownEP) March 23, 2022
“Hate this,” another responded. “You’ll be hard pressed to find a player that doesn’t dream of playing at The Garden. NIT isn’t going to become any more relevant with this move.”
Hate this. You’ll be hard pressed to find a player that doesn’t dream of playing at The Garden. NIT isn’t going to become any more relevant with this move. https://t.co/46lSMWvbTN
— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) March 23, 2022
It’s a curious decision for a tournament that was once the most prestigious in college basketball.
The post NIT Is Moving To New Location: College Basketball World Reacts appeared first on The Spun.