Phoenix Hosts Free Events for 2026 Women's Final Four

Downtown activities planned for NCAA Division I basketball championship

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:40pm

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The 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Final Four will be held at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to the championship games, the city is planning a variety of free public events and activities in the downtown area for fans to enjoy during the tournament.

Why it matters

The Women's Final Four is one of the biggest events in women's sports, drawing large crowds and significant media attention. Hosting these free community events is an opportunity for Phoenix to showcase its hospitality and provide an engaging experience for basketball fans visiting the city.

The details

The free downtown activities will include live music, food vendors, interactive games, and fan festivals. Organizers are working to create a vibrant atmosphere and give the public a chance to be part of the Final Four experience even if they don't have tickets to the games.

  • The 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Final Four will take place from April 3-5, 2026.
  • The free public events in downtown Phoenix will run from April 1-5, 2026, coinciding with the tournament.

The players

Mortgage Matchup Center

The indoor arena in downtown Phoenix that will host the 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Final Four games.

Phoenix Local Organizing Committee

The group responsible for coordinating the city's hosting of the 2026 Women's Final Four, including planning the free public events and activities.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure the entire city of Phoenix gets to be part of the excitement of hosting the Women's Final Four. These free events will allow fans to come downtown and be a part of the championship atmosphere, even if they don't have tickets to the games.”

— Sarah Johnson, Chair, Phoenix Local Organizing Committee (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The Phoenix Local Organizing Committee will continue finalizing the details and programming for the free downtown events in the coming months, with a full schedule and list of activities expected to be announced by the end of 2025.

The takeaway

Hosting the Women's Final Four provides Phoenix with an opportunity to showcase its vibrant downtown and give the public a chance to be part of the championship experience through these free community events, further cementing the city's reputation as a premier sports destination.