Final Four's Indy return a welcome relief after 2021 COVID tournament

The 2026 NCAA men's basketball Final Four in Indianapolis marks a return to normalcy after the challenging 2021 tournament.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the action and energy of a college basketball tournament, with overlapping planes and fragmented perspectives conveying the excitement and drama of the Final Four.The 2026 Final Four's return to Indianapolis offers a chance to move past the difficulties of the 2021 COVID-19 tournament and create new memorable moments in the basketball-centric city.Butler Today

The 2026 NCAA men's basketball Final Four in Indianapolis is a welcome return to the city after the challenging 2021 tournament that was held entirely in a COVID-19 bubble. Coaches like UConn's Dan Hurley and Illinois' Brad Underwood are thrilled to be back in Indianapolis, a city that has hosted many memorable Final Four moments over the years. The 2021 tournament, held entirely in central Indiana due to the pandemic, was a difficult experience for teams, with players sequestered in hotels and limited contact with the outside world. Now, the Final Four's return to Indianapolis is seen as a chance to move past the challenges of 2021 and enjoy the tournament in a more normal setting.

Why it matters

The 2026 Final Four's return to Indianapolis is significant because the city has a long history of hosting memorable NCAA Tournament games, including iconic moments like Bobby Hurley and Duke's upset of UNLV in 1991. After the difficult experience of the 2021 COVID-19 tournament, which was held entirely in a bubble in Indianapolis, the city's hosting of the 2026 Final Four represents a return to normalcy and a chance for coaches and players to create new positive memories in the basketball-centric city.

The details

The 2021 NCAA Tournament, held entirely in central Indiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a challenging experience for teams. Players were sequestered in downtown Indianapolis hotels, only able to leave for practices, games and limited outdoor time. Restaurants were off-limits, and the threat of being unable to play due to positive tests was ever-present. In contrast, the 2026 Final Four will allow teams and fans to fully experience Indianapolis, a city with a rich history of hosting memorable NCAA Tournament games.

  • The 2021 NCAA Tournament was held entirely in central Indiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The 2026 NCAA men's basketball Final Four will take place in Indianapolis.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who is thrilled to be back in Indianapolis for the Final Four after the difficult experience of the 2021 COVID-19 tournament.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team, who has made the Final Four a goal since being hired nine years ago.

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What they’re saying

“If you did great in that tournament, you deserve all the credit. If it went bad for you — and I'm not just saying that because it went bad for us — but you should get a pass. That was a mess.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“Most of my memories on the basketball side are pretty positive. The other stuff wasn't.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Men's Basketball

The takeaway

The 2026 NCAA men's basketball Final Four's return to Indianapolis represents a chance for the city and the sport to move past the challenges of the 2021 COVID-19 tournament. Coaches and players are eager to create new positive memories in a basketball-centric city with a rich history of hosting memorable NCAA Tournament games.