How to Fix the NCAA Tournament

As I've watched the NCAA Tournament over the past three days I've noticed some things that I think would make the tournament better. 

Step 1: Change it back to 64 teams.

It makes ZERO sense to have the four added teams. Why? These play-in games are for the lowered seeded teams. Why not give them all a chance to shine on the weekend. They are at a huge disadvantage and at times go from playing a night game on Tuesday to an afternoon game on Thursday with a decent amount of travel in between. 64 is also a perfect number for a tournament, 68 just doesn't make sense.

Step 2: East Coast Games that start after 9PM need to stop

I understand if a game is being played in Seattle or Los Angeles and it has a late start. If a game is being played in Pittsburgh there is absolutely no reason to have a game start after 9PM eastern time. Some of the games this year have started past 10PM eastern time. That's a huge disservice to the kids and their families (for those that travel).

Step 3: Each side of the bracket play on the same days

An example for this year would be the West and Midwest both play on Thursday and Saturday while the East and the South both play on Friday and Sunday. It doesn't make sense to have teams in the same bracket have more or less rest. Makes it more of a level playing field for all.

Step 4: Get rid of teams playing close to home

Games should all be neutral site and one team shouldn't have a huge crowd advantage unless they are Kentucky (they always travel). They should lower the ticket prices and get more fans in the seats rather than playing in half empty arenas. Families should be able to go to games and not have to take out a loan for tickets, parking, and snacks. Remember, we are watching amateurs play. Examples of this would be don't allow Duke, North Carolina, or NC State state play in the state of North Carolina. Syracuse should never play in Albany. Many more examples can be made.

Step 5: CBS Please Pay Attention

Thursday and Friday are like heaven for a lot of hoops fans. The Saturday and Sunday should be the same way. There is no need to showcase two games each day. Get the day moving and then teams wouldn't have games starting past 9PM eastern time. Take Grant Hill off the main broadcast. Two man booth is all that is needed. Give me Verne Lundquist and Bill Rafferty or Ian Eagle and Jim Spinarkel and I'll be happy.