The Men’s College Basketball tournament draws the nation’s attention each year. Hundreds of collegiate teams from around the country vie for a spot in March Madness. However, only 68 teams make the big dance.
Such a large event requires several host cities to run smoothly. These cities house the preliminary rounds until the best college basketball picks reach the Final Four. Each year, the Final Four host city garners the most attention as it will become the crowning site for the next NCAA national championship.
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The Importance of the Final Four Host Cities
Historically, the Final Four has been the mecca of NCAA hoops. Therefore, the Final Four host cities must be located within a large television market and have a world-class arena. While small venues have been home to the Final Four in the past, major metropolitan areas have been the predominant venues in recent years.
With the NCAA tournament increasing in popularity each year, choosing large venues has become the norm. These cities have been the most significant Final Four hosts throughout the tournament’s existence.
The Most Popular Final Four Host Cities
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is synonymous with great food and amazing music. Its Mardi Gras celebration attracts visitors from all over the world each year. But New Orleans has also hosted the Final Four on six occasions: 1982, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2012, and most recently, 2022.
The 2022 Final Four was played at the Caesars Superdome. Formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, it is a multi-purpose stadium nestled in New Orleans’s Central Business District.
The Superdome hosts major sporting events such as college football and basketball games, concerts, and other major public events like business conventions each year. With so much going on at the Caesars Superdome, visitors in New Orleans can check it out as they tour the rest of the city.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is a bustling city in the American midwest. Indy is known for its flourishing culinary and brewing scene, thriving local culture, and interesting landmarks. Indianapolis is a great destination for families, adventure seekers and people wanting to discover new places and experiences.
The former Indianapolis RCA Dome hosted the trending NCAA Final Four in 1991, 1997, 2000, and 2006. Since the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, the city has garnered even more attention.
Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the 2010, 2015, and 2021 Final Four games. It’s also projected to host the 2026 and 2029 Final Four. Visitors to Indianapolis can enjoy great food and art while catching an unforgettable sporting event.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is renowned for its cultural and historical heritage. It boasts a thriving music scene and landmarks second to none. Its world-famous River Walk houses great restaurants and cool pubs. Visitors can spend a day enjoying the singular landmarks in San Antonio’s downtown core, including the Alamo.
San Antonio has also been home to the NCAA Final Four on various occasions. The Alamodome hosted the Final Four in 1998, 2004, 2008 and 2018. It is projected as the host city for the 2025 edition of the Final Four. So, it’s almost time to start packing for the 2025 Final Four in San Antonio.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is one of the most famous cities in the world. Located in the middle of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is the stuff legends are made of. In recent years, Las Vegas has captured the attention of major North American sporting events.
Las Vegas is now home to the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights. In 2028, it will be the host of the NCAA Final Four. Allegiant Stadium, home to the Raiders and UNLV Rebels, will be the go-to destination for basketball fans worldwide. Catching the nation’s premier collegiate basketball event is another reason to book a trip to Las Vegas.
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