Title
Resolution to Participate In and Support Bid to Host 2025-2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament (Resolution 21801)
Description
Request to authorize a resolution to express support for the region's bid to host the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament in one of the years from 2025 to 2026, and to authorize the City's participation in the bid if Phoenix advances in the bid process as a finalist.
Report
Summary
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has requested a declaration of support from the City of Phoenix in the bid to host the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament between 2025 and 2026. This resolution will express the City's support for the bid through the commitment of general government services (including: citywide operations liaison; ambush marketing protections; permitting assistance; public safety support/emergency preparedness; aviation arrival/departure cooperation; and provision of Fan Festival, Super Saturday Concert, Salute Presentation, Youth Bounce and Women's Basketball Coaches Convention venues).
The national semifinal and championship games would require use of the City-owned Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix as the competition venue. City staff and the Phoenix Bid Committee are currently working with the Phoenix Suns to reserve the Arena for the requested dates. In addition, major fan-related events, lodging, and meeting activities associated with the tournament would also be held in downtown Phoenix. The tournament is held annually, and this bid is to host the tournament in Phoenix in either 2025 or 2026. If awarded, this would be the first-time that Phoenix would host the Women's Basketball Final Four.
In conjunction with the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, Arizona State University (Host Institution), and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Phoenix), Phoenix has successfully hosted the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four and was awarded to again host the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in 2024. Additionally, Phoenix will host the 2024 NCAA annual convention at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.