NCAA Selects Fargo Host of All Four 2020 Regionals

by Avash Kalrioux/Staff Writer

In an unprecedented move that's already being praised by one out of every 60 Division I programs, the NCAA announced Thursday that in 2020, the East, Northeast, West, and Midwest Regionals will all be held at Scheels Arena in Fargo, N.D.

Moreover, citing attendance concerns, a general disdain for 'bracketology' and the clear wishes of 'Sioux fans,' the NCAA also announced that North Dakota will be the host of each regional. Therefore, the team known outside North Dakota as the Fighting Hawks will have four opportunities to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four.

The 2020 Frozen Four is scheduled to be held at Purpur Arena, home of Grand Forks Central High School.

"We want Sioux fans to know that we hear them," said one senior NCAA official. "Even though they'd travel anywhere, why make them fly when they can simply take a bus ride? Or an Uber ride, if they have Uber there. It's wise to pair North Dakota with as many tournament games as possible.

"It's simply ... Pairwise."

Further details will be confirmed at the annual winter meetings, attended by all NCAA hockey coaches, administrators, and Fighting Sioux advocate groups. One proposal includes allowing North Dakota to advance to each Regional final -- win or lose.

"We want to make sure we have a good, mostly partisan crowd for each hockey game," said another official. "We don't know want another 'Cincinnati' if you know what I mean."

Most fans surveyed have said they know precisely what he means.