Phoenix Final Four Events: Know Before You Go

​The City of Phoenix is excited to welcome basketball fans to explore and enjoy the excitement in and around downtown during the NCAA Men's Final Four. Whether you're a resident looking for information about the March Madness Music Festival ® at Hance Park or the Final Four Fan Fest® at the Phoenix Convention Center or a visitor heading into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the City of Phoenix is prepared to help you enjoy a safe experience. See below for valuable Know Before You Go ideas and suggestions to make the most of your time in downtown Phoenix. Also, check out popular ideas on how to enjoy Phoenix, including guides to food and fun in the downtown area. Visit the City's Final Four home page​ for more​​​ resources.

Aviation​

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is looking forward to welcoming travelers from across the country in for the NCAA Final Four festivities and are offering the following travel tips to make the customer journey as seamless as possible:

• Reserve your rental car in advance: Vehicles will be in high demand.

• Remember 5-4-3-2-1:

• • 5 hrs before departure - Check out of your hotel

  • 4 hrs before departure - Turn in your rental car

  • 3 hrs before departure - Check in at the ticket counter

  • 2 hrs before departure - Get in line at the TSA Security Checkpoint

  • 1 hr before departure - Be at your gate.

• Game memorabilia: Pack most of your souvenirs in your luggage EXCEPT for your game program. Carry that in your carry-on to avoid potential issues with baggage scanners.

• Visit skyharbor.com for additional travel tips.

Public Transit

The Final Four fun is only a train/bus ride away! Phoenix Public Transit, in collaboration with Valley Metro, welcomes visitors and residents to the 2024 NCAA Final Four, and encourages all to take public transit to the festivities. For the entire Final Four weekend, the City of Phoenix is proud to support the Valley Metro's sponsored rides program. This means you can ride Light Rail for free. To take advantage of the program, follow these steps:

1. Download the Valley Metro app [valleymetro.org] and create an account. The app and account are required to access the complimentary pass.

2. Visit the 'Know Before You Go' [ncaa.com] section of the NCAA Men's Final Four® website or the Official App [ncaa.com]. Under 'Transportation,' click the link to access the Final Four transit pass. This link will take you back to the Valley Metro app.

3. Complete the transaction for your complimentary Final Four transit pass.

Scan the QR code at the purple fare readers before each ride. This pass is valid April 5-8 for up to four people.

Phoenix Convention Center

The Phoenix Convention Center is home to the Final Four Fan Fest® presented by Capital One from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8. Tickets are $8 for presale and $10 at the door and are available at Ticketmaster.

Parking

Guests are encouraged to purchase parking ahead of time as we anticipate a high demand for spaces near the Phoenix Convention Center. Purchase your parking via Ace Parking. More information is available at the Final Four web site.

Fire

The Phoenix Fire Department wants to ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed to guarantee an enjoyable experience:

• Keep an eye on weather: High winds, extreme heat, or dry conditions can increase the risk of fire hazards and medical emergencies.

• Be prepared: Hydrate ahead of time, bring ample water, wear sunscreen, and sensible shoes.

• Ensure all cigarette butts and other smoking materials are safely extinguished and disposed of in designated receptacles.

• Keep Emergency Exits Clear and Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and ensure they remain unobstructed throughout the event.

Fire department services will continue to operate as usual throughout the duration of the event. This includes emergency response, fire prevention activities, and community outreach efforts. In anticipation of the increased activity and potential emergencies associated with the event, we will have extra fire department crews on duty. These additional personnel will be strategically deployed to enhance our response capacity and ensure prompt assistance if needed.

We are excited to welcome everyone to Phoenix for the Final Four events. Check out the official NCAA Know Before You Go web page as another resource for the latest information.

Police

While in the downtown area, please watch out for heavy pedestrian traffic and Phoenix Police officers directing traffic. Some other important reminders:

• Plan ahead where you will park.

• Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle and to lock it when you leave.

• Arrange a designated driver, a ride share service or take public transportation before planning to drink.

• If you see something suspicious, call 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency number 602-262-6151.

The Phoenix Police Department is committed to continuing its 24/7 service to the residents of Phoenix. Extra staffing for Final Four events will not pull officers from the streets.

Library

As an FYI, there is an impact to accessing Burton Barr Central Library due to the March Madness Music Festival® being held in the adjacent Hance Park. The impact will affect surrounding roads and parking will be limited. If you have books and other materials to return, consider using another Phoenix Public Library location. Visit the "Plan Ahead When Visiting Burton Barr Central Library" page on phoenixpubliclibrary.org frequently for regular updates.

Parks and Recreation

If you need a break from the Final Four fun, consider using one of the city's many parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and more. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of activities and programs for people of all ages and abilities. Visit Phoenix.gov/Parks to get started.

With hiking being one of the most popular things to do when visiting Phoenix, we want to make sure you do not become a statistic. With more than 200 people rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves - please follow our hiking guidelines before hitting the trails.

Streets

Be mindful of road closures and restrictions to avoid traffic delays. For the latest information, visit the Phoenix Traffic Restrictions and Street Closures map or use the interactive event map.

Public Works

The City's Public Works Department will deploy waste receptacles around the downtown area to support Final Four events. Look for green racks for food waste, blue racks for recyclables, and black racks for landfill items. Zero Waste Ambassadors in green shirts will be nearby to help ensure items are placed in the appropriate receptacle.

Water

The Water Services Department advises everyone to stay hydrated and eco-friendly. Utilize downtown hydration stations and bring reusable water bottles. Phoenix's tap water is safe and meets all quality standards. Keep hydrated, reduce plastic use, and check our website, Phoenix.gov/Water, or social media (@PHXWater) to learn more about Phoenix Water Services. Enjoy the festivities responsibly while conserving water.