sports

NCAA Men's Final Four 2026

Name: NCAA Men's Final Four 2026
Start: 2026-04-04
End: 2026-04-06
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium

April 4 - 6, 2026

Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium

Expected Attendance: 75,000+ per session

Official Website →

The pinnacle of college basketball returns to Indianapolis for Lucas Oil Stadium's biggest stage. The national semifinals tip off Saturday, April 4 at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM ET (TBS). The national championship is Monday, April 6 at 8:30 PM ET (TBS). This year's event is historic — for the first time ever, all four national champions (D-I, D-II, D-III, and NIT) will be crowned in a single city. Championship Week kicks off April 2 with NIT Semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse (Butler University) and Division II/III championships at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 5. Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center runs April 3-6. The March Madness Music Festival on American Legion Mall is free and runs April 3-5. Georgia Street transforms into the Tip-off Tailgate — a pedestrian-only fan village running the full week. Downtown Indianapolis will be packed, electric, and one of the best sports weekends in the country.

Complete Attendee Guide Available

Schedule, expo tips, dining, hotels, parking, and what to expect.

Read the Guide →

Insider Tips

GAME TIMES: Semifinals Saturday April 4 at 6:00 PM ET and 8:30 PM ET on TBS. Championship Monday April 6 at 8:30 PM ET on TBS. Both games at Lucas Oil Stadium (500 S. Capitol Ave.).

FREE OPEN PRACTICE (April 3): All four Final Four teams practice at Lucas Oil Stadium — free and open to the public. This is the best way to see the teams up close if you don't have game tickets. Arrive early for good seats.

FAN FEST at Indiana Convention Center (April 3-6): Interactive basketball games, trophy photo ops, celebrity appearances, and merchandise. FREE for Final Four ticket holders, children under 12, Capital One cardholders (show card at door), active military, and college students with valid ID. First 2,000 daily visitors using code TIPOFF26 get free admission (limit 2 tickets). Check ncaa.com/mens-final-four/fan-fest for daily hours.

MUSIC FESTIVAL at American Legion Mall (April 3-5): Free outdoor concert series just north of the Convention Center — no ticket required. Artist lineup TBA closer to the event.

GEORGIA STREET TIP-OFF TAILGATE (April 3-6): The official outdoor fan village runs the length of Georgia Street, which is closed to vehicles. Watch parties on big outdoor screens, team pep rallies, live music, food vendors, basketball games. Free for all ages. Lucas Oil Stadium is literally at the end of Georgia Street — this is the pregame and postgame gathering point.

THE DRIBBLE (April 5, Easter Sunday): Kids 18 and under dribble a basketball approximately 1 mile from Carroll Stadium (IUPUI campus) through downtown to Victory Field. First 3,000 participants receive a basketball and t-shirt plus Fan Fest admission. Free registration.

CLEAR BAG POLICY at Lucas Oil: Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC — max 12" x 6" x 12". One small clutch purse allowed (max 4.5" x 6.5", does not need to be clear). Outside food and drinks are prohibited. Empty reusable water bottles are allowed (water stations inside). No selfie sticks, noisemakers, or cameras with lenses over 6 inches.

TICKETS: The NCAA lottery has closed. Resale on SeatGeek starts around $338 for semifinals, $238 for the championship in upper levels. Prices will spike after Selection Sunday when fan bases mobilize — buy before the bracket is set if you're going regardless of who plays. Official resale: ncaatickets.com.

SKYWALK ADVANTAGE: Over 4,700 hotel rooms are connected to Lucas Oil Stadium via Indianapolis's indoor skywalk system — you can walk from your hotel to your seat without going outside. If you're booking now, prioritize JW Marriott, Signia by Hilton, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Westin, Hyatt House, or Hyatt Regency — all skywalk-connected.

WEATHER: Indianapolis in early April averages highs of 60-64°F and lows of 40-44°F, with about a 40% chance of rain on any given day. Bring a packable waterproof jacket for outdoor events (Georgia Street, Music Festival). Inside Lucas Oil is climate-controlled. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — you will cover serious mileage.

PARKING: Over 40,000 spaces within walking distance of Lucas Oil. Pre-book now on SpotHero — lots within 3 blocks run $50-$100 on game days; spots 6-10 blocks out are $20-$40. The 501 Madison Ave lot allows tailgating (~$100). If you're staying at a skywalk hotel, skip parking entirely.

ROAD CLOSURES: Georgia Street is closed to vehicles April 3-6. Illinois Street near the Convention Center has ongoing construction closures. Streets around American Legion Mall are temporarily closed during the Music Festival. Download the Men's Final Four App (AT&T) for real-time closure maps and rideshare zones.

RIDESHARE DROP-OFF: Exact rideshare zones for Final Four will be published in the official Men's Final Four App closer to the event. Expect surge pricing in the 30 minutes after final buzzer — pre-schedule a pickup 90+ minutes in advance to save money.

RESTAURANTS: Book now — weeks in advance. Harry & Izzy's, Kilroy's, and St. Elmo Steak House will have no walk-in availability on game days. Tavern on South (directly adjacent to Lucas Oil on South Street) is the closest option with a rooftop deck. Shapiro's Delicatessen (Indianapolis institution since 1905) is a good early-lunch option with no reservation needed.

NIT SEMIFINAL TIP: The NIT Semifinals are April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse (Butler University, 510 W. 49th St.) — a beautiful historic arena and a great warm-up event if you're arriving early in the week.

Where to Eat & Drink

Our picks for NCAA Men's Final Four 2026 attendees

Harry & Izzy's

restaurant $$$ ★ 4.7

Steakhouse / American

“St. Elmo's more casual sister restaurant — same ownership, same famous shrimp cocktail, easier to get a table”

153 S Illinois St

🚶 8 min walk from Lucas Oil Stadium

NCAA Men's Final Four 2026

Insider Tips

Where to Eat & Drink

Neighborhoods to Explore

Mass Ave

Monument Circle

Wholesale District

Where to Stay

Parking