Title
2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four Update - Citywide
Description
This report provides the City Council with an update on planning and coordination efforts in preparation for hosting the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Basketball Final Four including information on official Final Four events to be held in the City of Phoenix.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
In October 2020, Phoenix was selected to host the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four. This will be the first time Phoenix has hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four, having previously hosted the Men’s Final Four in 2017 and 2024.
Many official activities and events will take place throughout downtown Phoenix over multiple days from April 1 through April 5. The City-owned Mortgage Matchup Center will host the semifinal games on April 3 and the championship game on April 5. Additionally, the arena will also host the Super Saturday Practice on April 4, which includes two free open practices for basketball fans to see the final two participating teams up close prior to the championship game. From April 2 through April 5, the Phoenix Convention Center will host both Tourney Town, a fan festival, and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association annual convention. Outside the Phoenix Convention Center, the Four It All Fest will take place as a block-party-style event. Margaret T. Hance Park will serve as the location for the Super Saturday Concert on April 4. Additionally, a youth basketball Bounce event will take place on April 4. The Bounce is an opportunity for youth under the age of 18 to dribble a basketball through parts of downtown Phoenix into the Phoenix Convention Center followed by a day at Tourney Town.
Washington Activity Center has been selected as the NCAA's Legacy Restoration project. The Legacy Restoration project is an opportunity for the NCAA to leave a lasting impression on the community. Refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor basketball courts is being planned and coordinated with the Parks and Recreation Department. The project is anticipated to be completed by Final Four Week and will be dedicated on April 1, 2026.
Staff from multiple City departments are working in partnership with the NCAA and the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee to plan a championship weekend of fan-related activities including the fan festival, concert, and youth basketball Bounce event.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.