Phoenix Bars Packed with NCAA Fans for Women's Championship

UCLA and South Carolina supporters celebrated the big game at downtown hotspots.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:28am

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Fans and alumni from the UCLA Bruins and South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball teams flocked to downtown Phoenix bars and restaurants to watch the NCAA championship game. Sports bars like Tom's Watch Bar and Chico Malo taqueria were filled with cheering supporters of both teams as they battled for the national title.

Why it matters

The Women's Final Four and championship game in Phoenix drew large crowds of college basketball fans, providing a major boost to the local economy and showcasing the city as a premier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The details

Fans from across the country visited downtown Phoenix to enjoy the big game at the Mortgage Matchup Center arena, as well as popular restaurants and bars in the area. At Tom's Watch Bar, UCLA alumni and fans organized a private event before the semifinal game against Texas, then took over the sports bar again for the championship matchup with South Carolina. Just down the street, Chico Malo taqueria hosted a Gamecocks alumni and fan event, decorating the restaurant with South Carolina branding.

  • The NCAA Women's Final Four and national championship game took place in Phoenix from April 3-5, 2026.
  • The championship game between UCLA and South Carolina was played on April 5, 2026.

The players

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles that advanced to the NCAA championship game.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The women's basketball team from the University of South Carolina that advanced to the NCAA championship game.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“This is it. This is what you've been practicing for, and this was always your goal at the end of the year. It's really now or never.”

— Karin Yamamoto, UCLA fan

“I've been following women's basketball for years, and she is constantly producing winners. Dawn pours everything she has into these women and helps not only develop their talent but their minds as well.”

— Tara Gonzales, South Carolina fan

What’s next

The NCAA will likely continue to rotate the Women's Final Four and championship game to different host cities in the coming years, providing economic opportunities for those communities.

The takeaway

The NCAA Women's Final Four and championship game in Phoenix demonstrated the passion and loyalty of college basketball fans, as well as the ability of the city to host major sporting events and provide an engaging atmosphere for fans to celebrate their teams.