Wildcats Fans Facing Steep Costs for Final Four Trip

Flights, hotels, and tickets could total over $6,000 for two people to attend the big game in Indianapolis.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:52am

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University of Arizona fans are eager to support their Wildcats at the Final Four in Indianapolis, but the trip is coming with a hefty price tag. Ticket prices range from $480 to over $22,000 per ticket on Ticketmaster, the NCAA's official ticket site. Combined with flights and hotel costs, the total expense for two people to attend could exceed $6,000, according to an analysis. Some fans like Zach Mooney are willing to pay the premium, seeing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, while travel agents warn that availability is the key factor driving up prices.

Why it matters

The high costs of attending major sporting events like the Final Four can price out many casual fans, making it an exclusive experience reserved for the most dedicated and affluent supporters. This raises questions about accessibility and the commercialization of college athletics.

The details

Ticket prices for the Final Four games range from $480 to over $22,000 per ticket on Ticketmaster. Championship game tickets start slightly lower at $240 but are expected to rise after the semifinal matchups. Flights to Indianapolis are also extremely expensive, with one traveler quoted $8,000 for two first-class tickets. Combined with hotel costs, the total expense for two people to attend the Final Four and championship game could exceed $6,000, according to an analysis by The Action Network.

  • The University of Arizona last made the Final Four 25 years ago.
  • Zach Mooney booked his flights just hours after Arizona beat Purdue on Saturday to advance to the Final Four.
  • Mooney purchased his game tickets the next morning.

The players

Nancy Purdin

A travel agent who received a call from a client in need of last-minute flights to the Final Four, which cost around $8,000 for two first-class tickets.

Zach Mooney

A Tucson native who is willing to pay a premium to attend his first Final Four game, seeing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Wildcats.

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What they’re saying

“It was pretty expensive. He usually goes first class and the regular airlines, the major airlines, were all about $8,000 for two tickets.”

— Nancy Purdin, Travel Agent

“You work hard, able to put a little bit of money away for something that comes up like this, and at the end of the day, who knows if it's gonna be another 20 years from now, but when the opportunity knocks, you have to answer that call.”

— Zach Mooney

What’s next

The Wildcats will face off against the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the national championship game on Monday night.

The takeaway

The high costs associated with attending major sporting events like the Final Four raise concerns about the accessibility and commercialization of college athletics. While dedicated fans like Zach Mooney are willing to pay a premium, the steep price tag prices out many casual supporters, making the experience an exclusive one.