With the National Championship game taking place at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, Arizona is rallying the Valley with a plethora of events and activations for fans. From free music festivals with headliners like Jonas Brothers and Ice Cube to meet-and-greets with Phoenix Suns, the following are some of the top Final Four weekend events in Arizona.
Click here to find out where you can watch March Madness Games in Arizona.
March 30, April 6 and April 7: Old Town Scottsdale’s Canaly-oop
Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale is bringing a series of activations to Old Town Scottsdale with daily fun in store for basketball fans. This lineup features an assortment of basketball-themed programs, including street performances, glitter tattoo artists, face painting, live music and entertainment and much more for fans of all ages. Additionally, the city will feature artwork to browse from local purveyors, including oversized basketballs in the Arizona Canal and installments along Marshall Way Bridge. Activities will take place on Saturday, March 30, from 1 to 3 p.m.; Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, April 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information: oldtownscottsdaleaz.com.
April 2: The NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Awards
Phoenix
The NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award, formerly the Legacy Award, recognizes the outstanding efforts of individuals making a significant impact in their communities, particularly within Final Four host cities for men’s and women’s basketball. This year’s honorees in Phoenix include Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, Reyna Montoya, Jacob Moore, David Solano and Christina Spicer. From advocating for Native American rights to empowering immigrant youth and promoting education, each recipient has left an indelible mark on their community. The awards reception will take place at Heard Museum from 5:30 to 7 p.m., celebrating their dedication and commitment to creating positive change.
For more information: phoenixfinalfour.com.
April 5 to April 8: Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One
Phoenix
As if the Final Four weekend wasn’t exciting enough, Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One is a sports wonderland and the ultimate destination for fans of all ages. Held at Phoenix Convention Center, this Final Four weekend event in Arizona will feature an array of interactive games, special celebrity appearances and athlete meet-and-greets.
Cost: $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door for ages 13 and older. (Entry is free for Capital One members, kids under 13 and those who show a ticket stub from a local professional sports game.)
For more information: ncaa.com.
April 5: Reese’s Men’s Final Four Friday
Glendale
Prepare for a day filled with excitement and a basketball frenzy at Reese’s Men’s Final Four Friday. This public event, held at State Farm Stadium, offers fans of all ages an immersive experience like no other. From catching open team practices featuring the participating men’s Final Four teams to the thrilling Reese’s NABC All-Star Game, showcasing top senior student-athletes from across the country, attendees have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the teams and players during this Final Four weekend event in Arizona.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ncaa.com.
April 5 to April 7: NCAA March Madness Music Festival
Phoenix
Get ready for the ultimate music experience at NCAA March Madness Music Festival, taking place at Hance Park in Central Phoenix. This festival offers fans access to an assortment of entertainment and activations that are bound to leave them buzzing with excitement. Kicking off on Friday, April 5, Grammy Award-winning artist ZEDD will headline the AT&T Block Party with an electrifying opening night performance. Singer and songwriter Reneé Rapp will set the stage with her illustrious vibes, followed by the vibrant sounds of singer-songwriter Remi Wolf, ensuring a night filled with unforgettable music from 4:30 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, April 6, Coke Studio LIVE takes the spotlight as the presenting sponsor, featuring the Grammy-nominated band Jonas Brothers as the headliner with performances running from 3 to 9 p.m. Festival-goers can also unleash their creativity at the Coke AI Studio, where they have the opportunity to form a music group, write a song and film a video with the help of AI magic. To cap off the weekend on Sunday, April 7, Capital One JamFest will be headlined by the Grammy Award-winning band Mumford & Sons. Joining them are Grammy Award-winning The Black Keys, the soulful sounds of Denver-based octet Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Leon Bridges, guaranteeing an unmissable festival experience from 2:30 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information: ncaa.com.
April 5 to April 8: March Madness at Wild Horse Pass
Chandler
Experience the thrill of March Madness like never before at Gila River Resorts & Casinos, home to Arizona’s largest casino sportsbook. In honor of the Final Four weekend, Gila River Resorts & Casinos is pulling out all the stops with a series of exciting events taking place at Wild Horse Pass. This lineup features an assortment of fun, including a Suns Watch Party on Friday, April 5, with former NBA and NCAA legend Mike Bibby and special guest appearances from WWE legends The Garcia Twin (Bella Twins); a meet-and-greet with the Phoenix Suns players on Saturday, April 6, plus a Final Four watch party with Bibby and an Ice Cube concert to top off the evening; and on Sunday, April 7, and Monday, April 8, Wild Horse Pass will host watch parties, including a celebration for the championship game.
For more information: playatgila.com.
April 5 to April 8: Men’s Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan
Glendale
Perfect for those attending the Reese’s Men’s Final Four Friday and games at State Farm Stadium, the Men’s Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan will take place at the stadium’s Great Lawn. During this Final Four weekend event, fans can experience free team pep rallies, live music performances, engaging basketball-themed games and delicious food and beverages. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Final Four weekend with a bang.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ncaa.com.
April 6 to April 8: ESPN’s College GameDay
Glendale
With a close proximity to State Farm Stadium, Westgate Entertainment District is set to host ESPN’s famed College GameDay. This exciting event will feature live broadcasts by ESPN with insights and predictions from the sports experts; a designated Fan Zone with fan activities, photo-ops and giveaways; a live graffiti artist personalizing basketballs; a piercing tent where visitors can “shoot their shot” and win a free piercing; and merch from an assortment of vendors. When guests aren’t enjoying the Final Four weekend event in Arizona, they can explore the outdoor mall, with spots for axe throwing, escape rooms, bowling, mini golf, arcades and more.
Cost: Westgate’s parking lots will charge $50 per vehicle on April 6 and April 8. On April 7, parking will be free all day.
For more information: westgateaz.com.
April 7: Men’s Final Four Dribble Presented by Buick
Phoenix
Calling all young basketball fans! Join thousands of kids ages 18 and under for the Men’s Final Four Dribble Presented by Buick, a one-of-a-kind event featuring a mile of basketball excitement through Downtown Phoenix. Participants will dribble their own NCAA Men’s Final Four Dribble Wilson basketball while sporting branded T-shirts, creating a sea of basketball spirit as they make their way to the Men’s Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One. This event starts at Heritage Square and will end at Phoenix Convention Center. There is a waiting list to register, with spots on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register: runsignup.com.