Through the first six weeks of the college basketball season, only 10 D-I programs are averaging 100% capacity in home arenas "with seating capacity of at least 6,000," according to Tim Griffin of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Other schools "are struggling, particularly those with prominent football programs this season." Of the 25 teams "ranked in the final CFP poll released last week, only five are averaging" 80% capacity for their basketball teams, and eight of the top 10 schools are averaging below 70% capacity. Baylor men's basketball coach Scott Drew said the "easiest solution" would be "to move the season back." But NCAA VP/Men's Basketball Championships Dan Gavitt said that a schedule shift "would have some consequences later in the season." Griffin noted many of the arenas used for the NCAA Tournament "also are homes for teams in the NBA and NHL." If the college basketball season was pushed back, "it would butt against the start of both league’s playoffs." During that time, there is "much less flexibility in scheduling than during the regular season." Another problem would be the "programming interests for the NCAA’s primary television partners, CBS and Turner." Gavitt said that moving the tournament "also could cause the event to lose its trademarked 'March Madness' slogan" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 12/14).
