The March Madness viewing experience has come a long way in recent years.

It wasn’t too long ago that fans did not have easy access to view every game. Now, the March Madness app/website, YouTubeTV and others provide multiview options for fans to have an eye on multiple games going on at the same time.

The CBS/Turner Sports partnership and advances in streaming have made the home March Madness viewing experience better than ever. Scheduling 16 games per day on Thursday and Friday of the First Round comes at a cost, however.

In his postgame press conference, Matt Painter and his players were asked about playing in Indianapolis. Painter’s Boilermakers got a preferential location as the NCAA Tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.

Painter wasn’t amused by the amount of fans in the seats when Purdue tipped off against Grambling State. While the time between games works for TV, some fans aren’t able to get in and seated in time for tipoff. The situation reduced Purdue’s advantage of what was meant to be a home-like atmosphere.

“It was great, especially when they got into the stands,” Painter told reporters. “You’re starting the game, and people are filling in; it’s surreal, right? You would think you’d start a game and everyone’s going to be there. It’s like a major city crowd, like going to L.A. for an event, or people show up by the fourth inning.

“I always say that because we’ve had 72 sellouts in a row; I don’t know the actual number. But I always talk about it, like we have great fans, but we have to give them something to cheer about. Being in Indianapolis, you can have all your fans that you want, but if we don’t give them something to cheer about, they can’t help you.”

March Madness opening weekend is considered one of the best sports weekends of the year. Fans love the non-stop action of great college basketball games, especially on Thursday and Friday. But if the NCAA Tournament is going to make a point of rewarding top seeds with the opportunity to play close to home and have a favorable crowd, it needs to figure out how to get fans in the seats on time before worrying about making the TV schedule work.

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