2017 March Madness 1st and 2nd Round Games Relocated to South Carolina

Weeks after the announcement that the NCAA was pulling its scheduled 2017 March Madness games from North Carolina, it was revealed Friday that those games will be played in South Carolina instead.

According to NCAA.org, the first- and second-round games of the NCAA men's basketball tournament were initially planned to be played in Greensboro, North Carolina, but they are now set to take place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 17 and March 19.

On Sept. 12, the NCAA released a statement explaining the decision to relocate several scheduled collegiate sporting events from North Carolina due to its disagreement with the state's House Bill 2, which limits the protection of the LGBT community from discrimination.

NCAA president Mark Emmert said the following regarding the adjustment:

"

Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships. We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships.

"

The NCAA followed the NBA's lead, as the 2017 NBA All-Star Game was moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to New Orleans because of HB2.

Per NCAA.org, 2017 will mark the third time that South Carolina has hosted games in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena played host to Clemson's men's basketball team last season during renovations to Littlejohn Coliseum.

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