Downtown Phoenix transforms into fan hub for NCAA Men's Final Four

PHOENIX, March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Final Four weekend is a four-day celebration of student-athletes, basketball and the spirit of collegiate athletics. The Final Four is a culmination of March Madness, where four teams advance to compete for a national title at the University of Phoenix Stadium April 1 and April 3. The Valley of the Sun will transform like it never has before. Families, music and sport lovers alike will all find special ways to enjoy Final Four weekend. From low-to-no cost fan events to the big games at the stadium, there is something for everyone. www.phoenixfinalfour.com

These four teams are heading to Phoenix: South Carolina Gamecocks, North Carolina Tar Heels, Gonzaga Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks. While North Carolina and Oregon are no strangers to the Final Four, the others on this year's roster will be navigating uncharted territory. The big game will be played in Glendale; the majority of fan-centric activities will take place downtown Phoenix.

Final Four 101

• https://www.visitphoenix.com/events/2017-ncaa-mens-final-four-phoenix/
• Final Four Fan Fest Presented By Capital One: March 31- April 3, 2017
• March Madness Music Festival: March 31-April 2, 2017
• Final Four Friday (teams open practice): March 31, 2017
• Final Four Dribble: April 2, 2017
• Final Four Youth Clinics: March 31, 2017

Story Ideas

• Get outside: If you were at home you'd probably need to head to your indoor gym for exercise, but not in Phoenix. Here, you can leave the treadmill behind and hit a number of mountain trails all just a short drive from downtown (South Mountain, Piestawa Peak, Camelback and Phoenix Mountains). If hiking is not your thing, then hit the tamer trails and paths at Desert Botanical garden: no hiking boots required. Or try biking. Downtown Phoenix offers bike rentals through Grid Bike Share. Explore our quirky arts district, historic neighborhoods or explore the canals on wheels instead of foot.
  
  
• Discover Native Ways: American Indians and the Southwest: Home to 22 federally-recognized tribes, Arizona's American Indian influence and culture is vibrant today and a true testament to our history. Take the light rail to the Heard Museum featuring Native American art and history; or to Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park located on Hohokam ruins dating back 1,500 years. You can also hop on a trolley tour for a cultural and history tour of downtown Phoenix.
  
  
• Hone in on your artsy vibe. Phoenix is a burgeoning hot bed of creative artists featuring murals and sculptures from artists such as Thomas "Breeze" Marcus.  Stroll along Roosevelt Row or the blossoming Grand Avenue Arts District to find some idyllic back-drops for that perfect selfie.
  
  
• Get soiled. Yes, you may think rolling tumbleweeds and the desert ? But did you know, that the Sonoran Desert is actually the wettest desert in the world averaging seven inches of rainfall annually making it one of the most fertile desert landscapes for crop production. Check out these farms within a short trek of downtown Phoenix featuring local farmers, eateries and artisans. The Farm at South Mountain, The Orchard and downtown's Open Air Market (every Saturday).These thriving desert farms supply various restaurants crafting exquisite culinary creations from gourmet foodhalls to local neighborhood gems.
  
  
• Cocktail hour in Phoenix. Quench your thirst with some tasty cocktails crafted in Phoenix from acclaimed mixologists like Ross Simon who is putting Phoenix on the map with his cocktail parlour Bitter & Twisted ? gaining national attention after being nominated for the 'Oscars' of bartending Tales of  the Cocktail Awards. Get hoppy with local craft brew finds incorporating local ingredients such as ancient wheat grains or downtown breweries bringing national attention to our beer scene such as Mother Bunch Brewing.
  
  
• Check out our latest Food Talkies series (Phoenix Food Videos) and Soul of Phoenix videos featuring local Phoenix stories.

The NCAA is the latest sports organization to bring its showcase event to Greater Phoenix. Phoenix is no stranger to hosting mega-events after being selected to host major sporting events in the past two consecutive years.  

SOURCE Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau