Atlantic 10 men's basketball championship relocated from Brooklyn due to COVID-19

The Atlantic 10 confirmed on Thursday that the 2021 men's basketball championship tournament will be relocated from Barclays Center in Brooklyn to the campus of a conference member because of issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It's the first time since Dayton hosted the 2004 event that the tournament will be held on a campus. The conference added that the venue for the tournament scheduled to occur from March 10-14 will be disclosed in the near future. 

"The A-10 has a great relationship and partnership with Barclays Center and BSE Global, thus deciding on this relocation was bittersweet as we have had exciting games and our student-athletes have had first-class experiences," Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade said in the prepared statement. "I am appreciative of the support and leadership from Barclays Center, and look forward to returning in 2023 and 2024. The challenges presented by COVID-19 and the ability to host this event on campus provides the league with operational efficiencies, established local health departments relationships, and a familiarity of conference COVID-19 protocols." 

While the tournament will return to the Barclays Center in 2023, the 2022 event will be held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. per a previously-announced agreement. 

The A-10 Women’s Basketball Championship remains scheduled for March 3-7 and will occur at VCU's Siegel Center.