Title
2026 NCAA Women's Final Four Review - Citywide
Description
This report provides an overview of the successful NCAA Women’s Final Four events held in Phoenix.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
From April 2 to 5, 2026, Phoenix hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four for the first time. Downtown Phoenix served as the epicenter of fan-related activities and ancillary events in addition to the semifinal and championship games. Multiple venues were activated, including the Phoenix Convention Center, Margaret T. Hance Park, Heritage Square, and the Mortgage Matchup Center. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in various events throughout downtown Phoenix during the week.
Safely hosting these large crowds was made possible by the efforts of partner organizations, including the NCAA, Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, Visit Phoenix, and Downtown Phoenix Inc. In addition, multiple City departments were involved in the planning effort leading up to the Final Four. An internal Steering Committee composed of leadership representing Aviation, City Clerk, Communications, Community and Economic Development, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Phoenix Convention Center, Planning and Development, Police, Public Transit, Public Works, and Street Transportation departments worked over the past year to develop operational plans to support the events and coordinated with various other City departments as well. Valley Metro supported Final Four week by transporting visitors and residents to and from Final Four events via light rail.
A summary of the successful Final Four activities and key outcomes will be presented to the City Council Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.