NCAA Women's Final Four Legacy Project Transforms West Phoenix Community Center

The $1 million renovation of the Washington Activity Center aims to provide long-term benefits for local youth.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match at the renovated Washington Activity Center, with vibrant colors and overlapping planes representing the energy and diversity of the local community.The NCAA Women's Final Four Legacy Project's transformation of the Washington Activity Center in west Phoenix aims to empower the local community through sports, technology, and educational resources.Phoenix Today

The NCAA Women's Final Four Legacy Project has invested $1 million to renovate and revitalize the Washington Activity Center in west Phoenix, a community space located in an underserved area. The upgrades include a new basketball court, computer labs, and a mural highlighting the local culture, with the goal of providing lasting benefits for the surrounding neighborhood.

Why it matters

The Legacy Project is an initiative by the NCAA to leave a positive impact on the host communities of the Men's and Women's Final Four tournaments. By targeting underserved areas, the program aims to address community needs and provide access to resources that can empower local youth.

The details

The renovations at the Washington Activity Center include a refurbished indoor basketball court, new wireless scoreboards, computer lounges, and a mural by local artist Martin Moreno titled 'Through the Eyes of a Child' that celebrates the history and culture of the surrounding community. The goal is to create a space that goes beyond just sports, providing educational and technological resources as well as a sense of pride and belonging for local residents.

  • The Washington Activity Center reopened on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The NCAA Women's Final Four was held in Phoenix that same year.

The players

Katie Hobbs

The Governor of Arizona, who spoke at the reopening ceremony and emphasized the importance of community spaces like the Washington Activity Center.

Kate Gallego

The Mayor of Phoenix, who praised the transformative impact of the Legacy Project on the local community.

Lynn Holzman

The NCAA Vice President of Women's Basketball, who discussed the NCAA's belief in the power of sports to bring communities together.

Stacie June Shelton

The Global Head of Education & Advocacy for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, who highlighted how the renovations can foster confidence and opportunity for local youth.

Tom Sadler

The President and CEO of the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, which has funded over $39 million in community projects across Maricopa County.

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What they’re saying

“This is more than just an aesthetic upgrade. It is a commitment to doing better for the next generation.”

— Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona

“There's a win for every member in that community.”

— Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix

“We firmly believe that sports is a way that we can leave a lasting legacy, but sports is also a platform of means by which we bring community together.”

— Lynn Holzman, NCAA Vice President of Women's Basketball

“This space isn't just about sport, it's about access, confidence, and opportunity.”

— Stacie June Shelton, Global Head of Education & Advocacy, Dove Self-Esteem Project

“And when we invest in community spaces like the Washington Activity Center, we're investing in the next generation of leaders for Arizona.”

— Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona

What’s next

The NCAA and local organizers plan to continue their community investment efforts in the lead-up to the 2026 Women's Final Four, with additional projects aimed at revitalizing other underserved areas of Phoenix.

The takeaway

The NCAA Women's Final Four Legacy Project demonstrates the organization's commitment to using major sporting events as a platform to create lasting, positive change in host communities. By targeting underserved areas and investing in multi-purpose community spaces, the program seeks to empower local youth and strengthen neighborhoods through access to resources, sports, and a sense of pride.