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College basketball’s national title game between Purdue and UCONN will tip off at 9:20 PM ET on Monday night. Many that plan on watching along are up in arms about the late start.
They’ve run to social media to post reactions to the “insane” decision, particularly those on the East Coast.
It’s a theme that’s becoming more and more common with not only college basketball, but all championship games across major sports. Rather than finding a way to schedule for the weekend or at least an earlier time slot, the NCAA and television networks team up to book what many believe to be the worst time possible.
No national title game, in any sport, should ever start at 9:20 pm. Idiotic.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) April 8, 2024
Unfortunately, this isn’t UCONN’s first run-in with the scheduling disaster. Fans at home complained last year about having to stay up late to watch the Huskies cut down the nets.
They’ll have to do so again should they win this year as postgame festivities are likely to continue into the midnight hour on the East Coast.
Here’s your annual reminder that starting the NCAA Men’s National Championship game at 9:20 pm ET on a Monday is certifiably insane.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 8, 2024
At least in last season’s matchup, one team resided on the West Coast in San Diego State. With Purdue taking the place of the Aztecs this time around, neither team’s fanbase will be watching before 9 PM.
Not ideal!
UConn and Purdue tip off at 9:20 pm Eastern Monday night
This is later than the CFB Playoff Championship Game, NBA Finals, NHL Finals, World Series and Super Bowl
Why does it start at 9:20 pm Eastern Monday night?
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 8, 2024
Go ahead and get that coffee going!
One team will come out on top in this national title slugfest, no matter the tip time. We’ll see who’s there to see it!