Final answer:
Cities hosting the NCAA basketball tournament vary each year, with a particular focus on large cities with a strong historical connection to basketball, particularly in the East Coast and Midwest. Indiana and Kentucky are notable for their deep-rooted passion for basketball, which can influence the selection of tournament hosts.
Step-by-step explanation:
What cities are hosting the NCAA basketball tournament? The cities and venues for the NCAA basketball tournament vary each year and are selected through a bidding process by the NCAA. These locations often cycle through various cities known for their strong basketball cultures and fandom. Big cities like those on the East Coast and in the Midwest often play a significant role in the tournament, both in terms of producing talent and hosting games. This may be linked to the historical development of basketball in regions such as Indiana and Kentucky, where the sport enjoys a particularly fervent following.
Understanding the distribution of basketball talent and interest can help explain why certain cities are regular hosts for the NCAA tournament. Large cities offer essential structural advantages that nurture basketball talent due to space constraints and the high cost of space, making sports like basketball more attractive and accessible compared to others like football and golf. This aspect has contributed to the dominance of African-Americans in professional basketball, with many players hailing from dense urban centers. In addition, the increasing presence of white players from big cities outside the United States in the NBA potentially influences the selection of tournament locations, reflecting the sports' international appeal.