Benjamin Leatherman
Audio By Carbonatix
Phoenix will once again welcome a who’s-who of women’s basketball this week when Mortgage Matchup Center hosts the NCAA women’s Final Four.
After days of play, two semifinal games will be take place on April 3. First, South Carolina plays UConn, followed by Texas vs. UCLA. The winners of those two games will play in the championship on April 5. It will be Phoenix’s first time hosting the women’s Final Four after hosting the men’s event in 2017 and 2024.
Phoenix also hosted the 2024 WNBA All-Star game and two WNBA Finals games last season, when the Phoenix Mercury made the championship series.
Tickets are already sold out for the three games, with resale tickets available online. But Final Four events will stretch beyond the hardwood. Fans can catch festivals, parties, concerts and panels throughout the weekend.
“The women’s Final Four represents the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, and Phoenix is so proud to stand with these incredible athletes,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said at a launch event last month. “The championship celebrates more than success on the court. It builds on our success and commitment to supporting major events.”
Here’s your guide to make the most of the women’s Final Four:
Neil Schwartz Photography
Convention Center celebrations
The Phoenix Convention Center at 100 N. Third St. will host two big events throughout the weekend, one indoor and one outdoor.
Women’s Final Four Tourney Town
April 2-5
This completely free festival will feature interactive games, giveaways, licensed merchandise, contests and special guest appearances. Tourney Town will also be the site of the “Beyond the Baseline” panel series, which will showcase women leaders in sports and business.
Former Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is scheduled for a “Beyond the Baseline” event with ESPN at 11 a.m.
Later, catch iHeartMedia host Sarah Spain in conversation with Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi and her pal Sue Bird at 1 p.m. on Saturday on the “Beyond the Baseline” stage.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Four It All Fest
April 2-5
This block party-style event will take place at Canyon on Third, the convention center’s designated outdoor event space. Fans can watch men’s and women’s Final Four games while enjoying food, beverages and live music. Basketball lovers can even test their abilities on the outdoor courts.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. until the end of the second women’s semifinal game on Friday, 9 a.m. to the end of the second men’s semifinal game on Saturday and 9 a.m. to the end of the women’s championship game on Sunday.
Atlantic Records
Other official events
Women’s Final Four Bounce
Saturday, April 4
Kids will turn downtown Phoenix into a court at the Women’s Final Four Bounce. Starting at Heritage Square on 113 N. Sixth St., children age 18 and younger can join this parade and dribble a basketball through downtown.
The first 3,000 kids to register will receive a free basketball and T-shirt. Check-in for the Bounce starts at 8 a.m. and the event begins at 10.
Super Saturday Practice
Saturday, April 4
Head to Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday to watch the members of the two finalist teams practice. Doors open at noon and the teams practice at 1 and 2 p.m.
The Super Saturday Practice is also completely free for fans. Claim your tickets at the NCAA website.
Super Saturday Concert
Saturday, April 4
After the Super Saturday Practice comes the Super Saturday Concert over at Hance Park, just north of downtown, at 67 W. Culver Street. The concert is also free.
This year’s headlining artist is the pop singer Kehlani. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.
Title 9 Sports Grill
Other events around Phoenix
Explore the Togethxr house
The production company founded by Sue Bird, Chloe Kim, Alex Morgan and Simone Manuel is taking over Warehouse 215 downtown for Togethxr House, a three-day activation featuring panels, yoga classes, watch parties and more.
Visit the Togethxr House website to check out the full list of events and register.
A legend on stage
Thursday, April 2
Media company Just Women’s Sports will host a fan event and live podcast taping at 435 Collective, 435 S. Third Ave.
Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie will host a live episode of “Between the Lines” onstage, breaking down the biggest storylines surrounding the Final Four. Restaurant chain Culver’s will put on an immersive experience for fans, which will include educational exhibits, special appearances as well as free custard.
The event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $23 on Eventbrite.
Book signings
Thursday, April 2
Title IX Sports Grill will host two authors signing books during a fan social event. Naismith Hall of Fame scribe Michelle Smith McDonald will sign “copies of ‘”Life’s Work: How Tara VanDerveer and Stanford Women’s Basketball Changed the Sport Forever” and Howard Megdal will sign “Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar.” The fan social runs 4 to 9 p.m., and the book signings are 7 to 9 p.m. Attendance is free and books will be available for purchase.