What US event in 1981 was used to abolish the 3rd place NCAA Division I national consolation basketball game?

From 1946—1981, a NCAA Division I National Tournament 3rd-place consolation game was played. The consolation game was of interest since it featured two nationally ranked teams that had qualified for the tournament. After 1981, the tournament format was changed. The 3rd place consolation game was eliminated. Originally, the 1981 assassination attempt by John Hinckley, Jr. on President Ronald Reagan raised 'public need' issues. General security questions appeared to make the need of having this game an issue. It was one less event to fuss over.

Additionally, the field of teams had expanded beyond 32 and the 3rd-place game had lost significance. By eliminating the game, it allows the losing teams to return home rather than remain at the tournament for up to two extra days, in order to play the consolation game. Teams saved on travel, time, and costs by not playing the game.

In March 1981, about 150 miles northeast of D.C., Indiana University of PA (IU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) were preparing and waiting to play the NCAA national playoff game. Given the unforeseen circumstances, the assassination attempt, it was easy to see why the 3rd-place game might not be played. Ultimately, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee decided to hold the main game after reports said the president would survive.

Indiana’s Isiah Thomas led the IU Hoosiers to a 63-50 victory against the UNC Tar Heels. Indiana became the 1981 NCAA Division I National champions.