Indianapolis Transforms Into Final Four Carnival on Friday

Practices, fan events, concerts, and tailgates spread across the city as it prepares for the men's national semifinals.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:56am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or competition, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like orange, blue, and green, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of the Final Four festivities in Indianapolis.Indianapolis transforms into a basketball carnival, with practices, fan events, concerts, and tailgates spread across the city as it prepares to host the men's national semifinals.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis is in full Final Four mode on Friday, with a packed schedule of events across the city. Practices, fan activities, concerts, and tailgates are taking place at multiple venues as the city gears up for Saturday's men's national semifinal games. From the Reese's Men's Final Four Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium to the March Madness Music Festival and drone show, Indianapolis is embracing its role as host of college basketball's biggest stage.

Why it matters

Indianapolis has become an expert at hosting the Men's Final Four, having done so nine times. The city's ability to coordinate a complex schedule of events and manage the influx of thousands of fans highlights its experience and infrastructure for handling major sporting events.

The details

On Friday, the Reese's Men's Final Four Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium features open practices for the four participating teams, followed by the Reese's College All-Star Game. Outside the stadium, Georgia Street hosts the Men's Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate, while the March Madness Music Festival kicks off at American Legion Mall. The Men's Final Four Fan Fest is also open at the Indiana Convention Center, including a 'Legacy in Motion' panel discussion. After dark, a drone show is scheduled at Victory Field.

  • The Reese's Men's Final Four Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium runs from 10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
  • The Men's Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate on Georgia Street is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • The March Madness Music Festival AT&T Block Party runs from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The Men's Final Four Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center is open from noon to 6 p.m.
  • The drone show at Victory Field is estimated to start at 8 p.m.

The players

Illinois

One of the four teams participating in the men's national semifinals, scheduled to practice at 11 a.m. on Friday.

UConn

One of the four teams participating in the men's national semifinals, scheduled to practice at noon on Friday.

Michigan

One of the four teams participating in the men's national semifinals, scheduled to practice at 1 p.m. on Friday.

Arizona

One of the four teams participating in the men's national semifinals, scheduled to practice at 2 p.m. on Friday.

St. Elmo Steak House

An iconic local restaurant in Indianapolis that is preparing for a rush of customers during the Final Four weekend, including an estimated 1,500 shrimp cocktails.

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The takeaway

Indianapolis has become a well-oiled machine when it comes to hosting the Men's Final Four, leveraging its experience, infrastructure, and community engagement to create a vibrant, basketball-centric atmosphere across the city during the biggest weekend in college hoops.