NCAA, Cleveland Local Organizing Committee announce details for 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four and fan events
With tipoff of the 2024 NCAA Women's Final Four only 39 days away, the NCAA, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Mid-American Conference and ESPN announced details for events surrounding one of America's marquee sporting events. Highlights include two national semifinals and a national championship being decided, opportunities for game tickets, numerous free events and community initiatives.
The Women's Final Four will be at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, with two national semifinal games played at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time Friday, April 5, and broadcast live on ESPN. The Division I national title game will be played at 3 p.m. Eastern time Sunday, April 7, and will be broadcast live on ABC for the second year in a row.
"Last year's championship and the 2023-24 regular season have featured record-setting attendance and broadcast viewership. The 2024 women's basketball championship has the potential to be even more historic," said Lynn Holzman, NCAA vice president of women's basketball. "Cleveland has worked tirelessly to put together all the pieces to host a monumental Women's Final Four. There is a continued focus on premier student-athlete and fan experiences while showcasing this great community that is highly invested in women's basketball. We can't wait to crown our national champion here in April."
With a national champion crowned inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse the first weekend in April, interactive fan activities outside the venue throughout the week will be equally unforgettable.
"It's an honor to host the NCAA Women's Final Four in Cleveland — our second time bringing this great sporting event to our city," said David Gilbert, president and CEO at Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. "It's been exciting to see the growing interest in women's sports — and especially women's basketball — since we were awarded this event in 2018. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase Cleveland to a national audience and look forward to welcoming people from across the country for this awesome event. We hope they leave inspired to make a return visit to The Land."
Game/Ticket Information (All Times Eastern)
DATES:
National semifinal games — 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 (ESPN).
National championship — 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 (ABC).
LOCATION: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland.
HOSTS: Mid-American Conference and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
For the latest on ticket availability for the Women's Final Four, visit ncaa.com/womensfinalfour.
Tickets can be bought and sold directly with other fans through the official NCAA Ticket Exchange. The NCAA Ticket Exchange allows fans to buy and sell official tickets online in an NCAA-approved, safe and 100-percent guaranteed environment. On Location, the official ticket and hospitality provider of the NCAA, also has official ticket packages available through the NCAA Fan Experience for the 2024 Women's Final Four.
"Having previously hosted the Women's Final Four in 2007, the Mid-American Conference is thrilled to bring the pinnacle of women's basketball back to Cleveland," MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said. "The timing couldn't be more perfect. The surge in popularity of women's sports, particularly the rise of women's basketball, makes this the ideal moment to showcase the talent, dedication and athleticism of these incredible student-athletes. We look forward to delivering an exceptional tournament experience and celebrating the excellence of women's college basketball on a grand stage in 2024."
Women's Final Four Ancillary Events — Free for Fans of all Ages
Here's a look at the many ancillary events that will be part of championship week. For more information, visit ncaa.com/WomensFinalFour. All times noted below are Eastern and subject to change.
Women's Final Four Tourney Town Presented by Capital One
Tourney Town will be the "host city" and epicenter for all Women's Final Four fan and community activities. At this free event, visitors will enjoy entertainment, food, licensed merchandise, exhibits, games and interactive displays.
LOCATION: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
DATES/HOURS:
Thursday, April 4, 3 to 8 p.m.
Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beyond the Baseline
Tourney Town features Beyond the Baseline, which includes talks, panels and guest speakers designed to empower and equip women in sport and business with tools for personal and professional success.
LOCATION: Tourney Town in Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
DATES: Thursday, April 4, through Sunday, April 7, with times varying by session.
Party on the Plaza Presented by Buick
This pregame event features partner activations, photo opportunities, food and beverage for purchase and red-carpet arrivals. This event is free and open to the general public (game ticket is not needed to attend).
LOCATION: Gateway Plaza — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
DATES/HOURS:
Friday, April 5, 3 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 6, Noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Women's Final Four Super Saturday Practice
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will host an open practice for the two teams competing in the national championship game. Fans will need to register for a free ticket.
LOCATION: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
DATES/HOURS: Saturday, April 6, 1 p.m. gates open. 1:30 and 2:40 p.m.
Red-Carpet Arrivals
Cheer on the final two teams as they arrive and enter Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on their way to compete for the national title.
LOCATION: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
DATES/HOURS: Sunday, April 7 Approximately 1 p.m.
Super Saturday Concert Presented by AT&T
The Super Saturday Concert presented by AT&T is a free event open to the general public. In 2024, the music performance will take place at the Cleveland Public Hall in downtown Cleveland and will feature food and drinks for purchase, an opening act and the headliner, Latto. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/super-saturday-concert-presented-by-att-ti….
LOCATION: Cleveland Public Hall.
DATES/HOURS: Saturday, April 6. Gates open at 6 p.m. Opening act begins at 7 p.m. Headliner to perform at 8 p.m.
Women's Final Four Bounce Presented by Buick
Hop, skip and jump into Women's Final Four action with the NCAA Women's Final Four Bounce presented by Buick. Fans ages 18 and younger are invited to participate in this unique parade and free Women's Final Four event, joining thousands dribbling their way along the streets of Cleveland and into Tourney Town presented by Capital One — the official fan festival of the 2024 Women's Final Four. The first 2,500 participants will receive a free basketball and T-shirt.
DATE: Sunday, April 7.
TIME: 9:30 a.m. check-in, 11 a.m. start.
START LINE: Cleveland Public Square (200 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114).
FINISH LINE: Tourney Town at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
REGISTRATION: Online preregistration is recommended, as space is limited and will go fast. First 2,500 registered participants will receive a free T-shirt and basketball. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-ncaa-womens-final-four-bounce-present….
Community Initiatives
NCAA Read to the Final Four
Designed to leave a lasting impact and legacy on the students of Greater Cleveland, the NCAA Read to the Final Four will engage, inspire and incentivize elementary students' love of reading. When the national semifinals tip April 5, the Read to the Final Four program will have challenged thousands of local students in the third grade in a reading competition. The competition concludes at the end of March, and the top "Final Four" schools will win a field trip to Tourney Town presented by Capital One, where schools and reading champions will be recognized by the NCAA and Cleveland Local Organizing Committee.
NCAA Women's Final Four Legacy Project Presented by Dove
The NCAA and Dove are teaming up with the Cleveland Local Organizing Committee to install a brand-new basketball court at Boys Hope Girls Hope Northeast Ohio in Garfield Heights. Work on the project will be completed before the 2024 Women's Final Four. Additional gymnasium upgrades from Dove include wall pads, sideline seating, and a mural installation inspired by the learners of Boys Hope Girls Hope. Dove will also be providing enhancements to the resource room at Boys Hope Girls Hope that will be focused on self-care and wellness. The ceremony for the Legacy Program will be conducted the afternoon of Wednesday, April 3, during Women's Final Four week.
Connecting Cleveland Presented by AT&T
Connecting Cleveland presented by AT&T will bring together local college students and industry leaders to drive impactful conversations that will spark opportunities for mentorship and inspire the next generation of leaders. Formed around panel discussion and a mentoring series, this free, interactive event will feature mentors in various stages of their careers as they engage small groups with stories, experiences and advice for the future. Connecting Cleveland presented by AT&T is a private, invite-only event. Through an application process, 200 college students will be selected as mentees.
LOCATION: The City Club of Cleveland.
DATE: Thursday, April 4.
TIME: Noon.
For more on the NCAA's Women's Final Four, visit ncaa.com/women's-final-four.
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