June 6, 2008 -- New York college basketball fans should brace for a serious case of March Madness.Madison Square Garden is in serious discussions with the NCAA to host the NCAA Tournament's Eastern Regional semifinals and finals in 2012 and/or 2013, The Post has learned.
Although a final decision hasn't been made, the Garden is considered the strong favorite to host at least one of those seasons and perhaps both. The NCAA is loyal to venues that demonstrate the ability to smoothly run such events, meaning the Garden could also be considered in future years.
Prospects for hosting the national championship were dashed when the governing body for college sports decided to use only dome stadiums for Final Four sites. But two factors converged to make the Garden a player:
The Garden is about to begin a stunning $500 million renovation that will allow it to pursue other high-profile events - possibly the NCAA's Frozen Four and the Women's Final Four.
And the NCAA, which recently purchased the NIT, had officials at that tournament and the Big East tournament. They experienced what a great site the Garden is for hoops
