Tucson Fans Confident Arizona Will Win NCAA Final Four

Three friends from Tucson made the trip to Indianapolis to cheer on the Wildcats in their first Final Four appearance in over 25 years.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and passion of a crowd of Arizona Wildcats fans cheering at the Final Four, with faces and logos dissolved into abstract brushstrokes.The vibrant energy and enthusiasm of Arizona Wildcats fans fills the air as they cheer on their team's historic Final Four appearance.Tucson Today

A trio of Tucson teachers and school officials - Dan Ireland, Stephanie Miller, and Dorian Chase - traveled to Indianapolis this weekend to support the University of Arizona men's basketball team in the NCAA Final Four. The group, decked out in Arizona gear, expressed confidence that the Wildcats would win the national championship, with Miller noting her father played for the team in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Why it matters

The University of Arizona men's basketball team is making its first Final Four appearance in over a quarter-century, representing a major milestone for the program and generating excitement among its loyal fan base in Tucson. The team's success has brought the community together and sparked hope that the Wildcats can capture their first national title since 1997.

The details

The three friends - Ireland and Chase are Tucson teachers, while Miller is the athletic director at Tucson High Magnet School - have been waiting years for the Wildcats to reach this stage. They were spotted on the concourse of Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, the opening day of the Final Four, enthusiastically showing their support for the team. The group participated in fan activities hosted by Reese's, the event sponsor, and expressed confidence that Arizona would win the national championship.

  • The University of Arizona men's basketball team last reached the Final Four in 1997, when the current trio of fans were either infants or not yet born.
  • The Wildcats are making their first Final Four appearance in 26 years this weekend in Indianapolis.

The players

Dan Ireland

A Tucson teacher who is a passionate Arizona Wildcats fan, making the trip to Indianapolis to support the team in the Final Four.

Stephanie Miller

The athletic director at Tucson High Magnet School, whose father Charles Miller played for the University of Arizona in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Dorian Chase

A 26-year-old Tucson teacher and longtime Arizona Wildcats fan, accompanying his friends to the Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“We're here to see them win it all.”

— Dan Ireland

“My dad used to play for the UA. He's so excited.”

— Stephanie Miller, Athletic Director, Tucson High Magnet School

What’s next

The University of Arizona men's basketball team will face off against the University of Connecticut in the NCAA Final Four semifinal game on Saturday, April 5th, 2026. The winner will advance to the national championship game on Monday, April 7th.

The takeaway

The enthusiasm and loyalty of Tucson's Arizona Wildcats fans, exemplified by this trio of friends, underscores the deep community support for the team's historic Final Four run. Their confidence in the Wildcats' ability to win the national title reflects the high expectations surrounding the program and the excitement it has generated throughout the region.