Image by NCAA
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
The best teams in women’s college basketball are heading to Tampa Bay, with the action not being limited to the court. From fan festivals to live concerts, the Final Four weekend offers plenty to do beyond the games.
Whether you’re looking to test your basketball skills, hear from former players, or just soak in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone from April 3 to 6.
Festivities kick off on Thursday, April 3, with Tourney Town at the Tampa Convention Center from 3 to 8 p.m., featuring interactive activities, basketball challenges, giveaways and appearances from former players and coaches. Beyond the Baseline, a series of panels and discussions on leadership and career development, follows later in the evening.
This includes Elizabeth Fraizer with the Lightning Foundation, Kourtney Sanchez with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rafaela Amador Fink with the Tampa Bay Rays & Rowdies, Christina Unkel with the Tampa Bay Sun, Kris Pierce with the University of South Florida, and Michelle Gervais with the Blank Rome.
Friday, April 4 includes a Q&A and autograph session with Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, Party on the Plaza at Cotanchobee Park with live entertainment and food vendors, and the highly anticipated semifinal games at Amalie Arena, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5, keeps the momentum going with Bounce at Curtis Hixon Park, where kids 18 and under can dribble basketballs along a designated route. Fans can also catch open team practices at noon at Amalie Arena for a behind-the-scenes look at the championship contenders.
The Super Saturday Concert at Curtis Hixon Park offers a free, all-ages finale to the night, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and GloRilla performing at 8 p.m.
The weekend comes to a close on Sunday, April 6, with the National Championship Game at Amalie Arena. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and tip-off is set for 3 p.m., marking the final showdown of an unforgettable weekend. This will be the fourth time the Final Four tournament will be held in Tampa (2008, 2015, 2019).
To remain informed of all occurrences, there is an official NCAA Women’s March Madness and Final Four App. The app will act as an information center, providing maps, schedules and ticket storage for the tournament. Merchandise hunters can purchase official merch at sites throughout the city.
Amalie Arena is a cashless venue, so cash will not be accepted as a form of payment. All purchases must be made using a valid debit or credit card or mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
