I am confused by the "pod" system, if it is even called that any more.

For example, Auburn, UAB, Alabama, Yale, and Charleston are in the East region and Eastern time zone (makes sense); however, they play their first round games in Spokane, WA. Another example is Kansas, which is in the Midwest region (makes sense), but plays their first round game in Salt Lake City, when the Midwest region has a "pod" in Indianapolis and Memphis also hosts early round games.

Having attended sparsely-attended first-round and second-round games in the past, I just do not understand the logic. Fans (especially students) will drive relatively short distances to watch early games, but how many are going to fly across the country? From experience I will tell you, not many.

Further, I would rather have a lower seed in a region closer to home than to have a slightly higher seed across the country. I know the West is traditionally weak and needs teams to travel, but proximity should count for something, and since you have to beat everybody to win the tournament, having a slightly tougher game is hardly a punishment.

Just my two cents' worth. Don't forget to get your change.