The Final Four is the culmination of March Madness. It manages to merge the passion of crazed collegiate sports fans with the character of its host city. Every year thousands of fans, alumni, media and athletes converge to see which men’s college basketball team will etch itself in the history books.
So it’s no surprise that the NCAA takes a lot of time weighing out options when it comes to host cities. It’s looking for a location that has the appropriate infrastructure but also one that has its own unique culture and plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore and have some fun.
Here, we’ll be taking a look at all of the currently confirmed men’s Final Four sites.
Where Is the Final Four Being Held in the Coming Years?
San Antonio (2025): Returning to a Familiar Final Four Venue
There are plenty of factors which make San Antonio an ideal location. Not the least of which is the Alamodome itself. The facility meets the NCAA’s seating and amenities requirements, and the city’s central location makes it accessible for fans around the U.S.
Indianapolis (2026): A Regular Final Four Host
Not only is Lucas Oil Stadium considered one of the best stadiums in the U.S., but it shares its home with the NCAA headquarters. The city has a near-perfect downtown layout as well, meaning fans are within walking distance of hotels, eateries and other entertainment venues. Indianapolis (and the entire state of Indiana) has a rich history of basketball, making it an ideal location to celebrate the past, present and future of college hoops.
Detroit (2027): The Return of the Final Four to Ford Field
March Madness returns to Michigan in 2027. Ford Field last hosted the Final Four in 2009, but a collaborative pitch from the Detroit Sports Commission, Visit Detroit, Michigan State, Ford Field and the Detroit Lions secured another hosting gig. Ford Field can seat upwards of 70,000 for basketball games and is close to various Motown history museums.
Las Vegas (2028): First-Time Final Four Host
For the first time ever, Las Vegas will host the Final Four. Allegiant Stadium is one of the newest stadiums in the U.S., opening in July 2020. Putting the Final Four next to a strip of casinos and sportsbooks seems like a match made in gambling heaven. Obviously there are plenty of other attractions for fans heading to Sin City to catch the games.
How Cities Are Selected to Host the NCAA Final Four
Bid Submission: Cities or venues submit detailed bids to the NCAA, outlining their plans, facilities, potential partnerships and capabilities for hosting the Final Four.
Venue Requirements: The NCAA requires a stadium hold 60,000+ fans and be adapted for basketball, with modern amenities and good sightlines.
Hotel and Accommodation: Cities must show they have sufficient hotels near the arena.
Transportation and Accessibility: The city needs a major airport with ample connections and robust local transportation infrastructure to handle large crowds.
Event Management Experience: The NCAA favors cities with a proven track record of hosting major sporting events or large-scale conventions, concerts, etc.
Community and Fan Engagement: Cities must demonstrate the ability to create a strong fan experience and host ancillary events like fan fests, youth clinics, concerts, etc.
Economic Impact and Support: Proposals should highlight the potential economic boost and local support from government and sponsors, which the NCAA evaluates.
Weather Considerations: Favorable weather is a plus, but not a necessity. However, the NCAA does consider the potential impact on fan experience and travel that bad weather can cause.
Site Visits and Evaluations: The NCAA may conduct site visits to assess the venue and surrounding area.
Selection Committee Review: The NCAA selection committee reviews all bids, evaluates them based on criteria and then votes to decide host cities.
NCAA Final Four Attendance By Year (Since 2000)
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as All Confirmed Future NCAA Final Four Locations.
