NCAA to host events in downtown Phoenix, Glendale before Valley’s first Final Four

PHOENIX — The NCAA Final Four is coming to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale this spring, but that won’t be the only event in store for basketball fans around the Valley.

The Phoenix Local Organizing Committee announced this week that the NCAA, alongside its corporate partners and Turner Live Events, will host four events in downtown Phoenix and Glendale leading up to the Final Four.

PLOC Executive Director Dawn Rogers said the events offer a different type of fan experience for those who aren’t able to get into the games.

“These diverse, exciting events will allow everyone to join in the celebration of the Valley’s first Final Four,” she said. “You don’t have to have a ticket to the games to experience this iconic event, and you don’t have to be a basketball fan to join in the fun.”

The events get going on March 31 with Final Four Friday at University of Phoenix Stadium. Beginning at 11 a.m., each of the participating Final Four teams will hold one-hour practices open to the public free of charge.

Downtown Phoenix will kick off two events the same day. Final Four Fan Fest will run March 31 through April 3 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The Fan Fest will feature youth clinics, interactive games as well as special appearances and autograph sessions.

In addition, the NCAA March Madness Music Festival will be held at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix from March 31 to April 2. The three-day music festival will feature free concerts from both local and national recording artists.

The last event to get started will be the Final Four Dribble on Sunday, April 2 in downtown Phoenix. Thousands of children who registered online will receive basketballs to dribble along a route ending at the Fan Fest entrance.

For updates on any of the four events, visit the Final Four Phoenix 2017 website.