Tampa is making NCAA Tournament history. Our neighbors over the new Howard Frankland Bridge will be the first to host the NCAA Women’s Final Four four times. The wild basketball action will take over Amalie Arena on April 4 and 6, as fans from across the nation converge downtown to show their school spirit. Currently, UCLA and South Carolina are set to play in Tampa. UConn faces USC, and Texas faces TCU for the final two spots on March 31.
The action begins on Friday, April 4, with two national semifinal games at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., both airing live on ESPN. The excitement continues on Sunday, April 6, when the Division I national title game tips off at 3 p.m. on ABC.
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The NCAA Final Four at Amalie Arena in Tampa
NCAA Vice President of Women’s Basketball, Lynn Holzman, couldn’t contain her excitement about Tampa’s record fourth time hosting the prestigious event. “Tampa has been an incredible partner, and we’re excited to return to Tampa Bay to crown our national champion in April,” Holzman said. “As we continue to build every year on the success of the women’s basketball championship, we’re thrilled that Tampa will host this year’s Women’s Final Four.”
Beyond the intense on-court action, fans can expect a week filled with interactive experiences, concerts, and family-friendly events around downtown Tampa. Michael Kelly, South Florida’s Vice President for Athletics, highlighted the community’s passion for hosting championship events. “This is a testament to the incredible collaboration of Team Tampa Bay, including the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, our local partners, and countless volunteers who work tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience,” Kelly said.
Experience Tourney Town at the Tampa Convention Center
Tourney Town takes over the Tampa Convention Center (333 S Franklin Street), where fans can enjoy food, games, and entertainment from Thursday, April 3, through Sunday, April 6. This free festival is jam-packed with special appearances, interactive games, giveaways, historical and Women’s Final Four team displays, photo opportunities, basketball contests, food, licensed merchandise, and more.
Party on the Plaza will run April 4-6 at Cotanchobee Park (601 Water Street). This outdoor pre-game event features food and beverages, merchandise, music, games, photo opportunities, and much more.
Meanwhile, Curtis Hixon Park (600 N Ashley Dr) will host the Super Saturday Concert, presented by AT&T featuring Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist GloRilla. Gates open at 6 p.m., with DJ ReRe kicking off the show at 6:45 p.m., followed by GloRilla taking the stage at 8 p.m.
For those eager to dive into the basketball action, Amalie Arena will open its doors for the Women’s Final Four Super Saturday Practice, offering fans a sneak peek at the teams preparing for the championship showdown. Plus, Cotanchobee Park’s Party on the Plaza (601 Water St) promises food, music, and fun before each game.
The Final Four Legacy Project arrives in Tampa
Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, noted the city’s impressive transformation since 2019. “We have a compact and walkable footprint ideal for this championship, and we can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for the student-athletes and fans,” Higgins said.
The week also features community initiatives, including the NCAA Women’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Dove, which will refurbish the indoor court at the Riverfront Rec Center. Plus, young hoop enthusiasts can participate in the Women’s Final Four Bounce presented by Buick, with thousands of kids parading along the Tampa Riverwalk on April 5 starting at 11 a.m.
Click HERE for the full list of Women’s Final Four events happening this week.
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