Remember When ...

Maryland, Georgetown and George Mason (plus Hampton and a Lefty Driesell-coached Georgia State) all got sent to the Boise sub-regional in 2001? The absurdity of that situation led to what's now called the "pod" system that is supposed to keep higher-seeded teams close to home.
Well, here's the problem: None of the sub-regional sites this season are too convenient for the myriad of DC area teams that will make the tournament. The sites are: Buffalo, Lexington, Sacramento, Winston-Salem, Chicago, Columbus, New Orleans and Spokane.
Now I understand only top-four seeds are supposed to get location consideration, but still -- what a haul! Let's say Florida loses early in the SEC tournament and one of the No. 1 seeds is open for a Georgetown (if it wins the Big East tournament). What's the reward? Buffalo?
I suppose Sweet 16 games in the Meadowlands would be an easy trip for fans, and a Final Four in Atlanta isn't TOO bad for ambitious road trippers, but otherwise, DC hoops fans better cash in their frequent flier miles (surely Atlantic 11 poll voters can wings it!)