Support Us Button Widget

Everything you need to know about the NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio

April can’t come fast enough.

Orange and blue cheerleaders at the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio 2018.

Expect iconic events to return like the Men’s Final Four Dribble (pictured above from 2018) where participants can dribble a basketball down a one-mile course through downtown San Antonio.

Photo by the NCAA

Table of Contents

It’s almost game time, folks. We are less than 70 days away from the NCAA Men’s Final Four taking place at the Alamodome from Saturday, April 5 through Monday, April 7.

The San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC), City of San Antonio officials, and NCAA held a press conference Tuesday dishing out all the amazing experiences coming to our city.

We’re here to break it down for you so you’re game-day ready. Be sure bookmark this page and subscribe to our free daily newsletter to stay in the loop about the latest tournament details.

Before we get started

San Antonio’s downtown is going to be electric with weekend events taking place Friday, April 4 through Monday, April 7. Expect fan activations, watch parties + tailgates, the March Madness Music Festival, a River Walk pep rally, the Men’s Final Four Dribble, and a legacy project.

SATX_alamodome_skyline_drone_tx.png

The Alamodome is set to host the NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament in April.

Photo by @skylinedronetx

This marks the fifth time in Alamo City history that San Antonio has hosted the Men’s Final Four, bolstering our reputation as a world-class destination for sporting events.

Fun fact: The weekend’s itinerary is estimated to add ~$440 million to San Antonio’s economy.

Fan events

NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest | Friday, April 4-Monday, April 7 | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | $10+ | You can expect: interactive games, celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, photos with the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship trophy, merch, and more.

March Madness Music Festival | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 | Tower Park at Hemisfair | Free | The musical lineup has yet to be announced, but performances start in the afternoon on Friday, April 4 with an AT&T Block Party.

Men’s Final Four Friday | Friday, April 4 | Alamodome | Free | Get up close to the competing teams as you watch them practice.

NCAA Fan Fest 2018 San Antonio

Expect sports-related activities taking place during the Men’s Final Four Fan Fest at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Photo by Jamie Schwaberow

Men’s Final Four River Rally | Saturday, April 5 | Rivercenter Lagoon | Free | Support your favorite team as their cheer squads + bands float along the San Antonio River on iconic river barges.

Men’s Final Four Dribble | Sunday, April 6 | Legacy Park | Free with registration | Participants 18 and under are invited to register for the opportunity to dribble through the streets of downtown with free shirts and basketball.

Men’s Final Four Tip-off Tailgate | Friday, April 4-Monday, April 7 | Civic Park at Hemisfair | Free | Can’t make it to the ‘Dome? No problem. Tailgate with watch parties for the men’s and women’s games featuring giveaways, food + drink purchases, pep rallies, and basketball-themed activities.

Championship River Parade | Sunday, April 6 | Arneson River Theater | Free | Celebrate the champs San Antonio-style with a river parade.

Parking and transportation

With the festivities come traffic congestion alongside ongoing construction projects, so we’re here to put your parking anxiety at ease with these tips + tricks.

VIA Men's Final Four San Antonio

VIA is jazzing up select members of its fleet with Men’s Final Four iconography in anticipation of the weekend-long event taking place in April.

Photo by SATXtoday

VIA is offering its Park & Ride service from designated stations to the downtown events, as well as a modified bus route to get you around the festivities.

Parking at the Alamodome is also free for those attending the games and Fan Events.

Community initiatives

As we say goodbye to the tournament — and look forward to hosting future games in 2026 + 2027 — the NCAA isn’t leaving town without giving San Antonio a souvenir.

The Men’s Final Four Legacy Project will be presented to The Boys & Girls Club Rayburn Clubhouse gymnasium, and feature a renovation to the facility and upgrades that the entire community can use.

“The Men’s Final Four is more than just a basketball tournament. It’s a celebration of community, teamwork and legacy,” says Executive Director of SALOC Elena Wells. “We look forward to making this year’s event truly unforgettable.”