History will be made when Dallas plays host to the 2017 NCAA Women’s Final Four at the end of March. Not only will it be the first time the city has hosted the marquee event, but games also will be played Friday and Sunday instead of Sunday and Tuesday for the first time since 2002.
Championship week will culminate with the national semifinals at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Central time Friday, March 31, on ESPN2. The national championship game will be played at 5 p.m. Central time Sunday, April 2, and will be carried live on ESPN. Tickets for all games are on sale at ncaa.com/wbbtickets.
“The 2016-17 women’s basketball season has been one with compelling storylines, record-setting performances and teams chasing greatness,” said Anucha Browne, NCAA vice president, women’s basketball championships. “Dallas has worked hard to be the perfect host for our event, and like the city, we expect big things come the end of March.”
Planning efforts for the 2017 Women’s Final Four were detailed at a Feb. 27 news conference at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. While the action inside American Airlines Center will be historic and significant, fan interactive activities outside the arena will be equally unforgettable.
Fans of all ages are invited to participate in a number of free events during championship week, including Tourney Town presented by Capital One outside the doors of the American Airlines Center. Free concerts for game ticket holders will take place on the Tourney Town stages. Youth activities such as the NCAA Bounce and NCAA Youth Clinics will be in full swing during Women’s Final Four weekend. Networking opportunities such as the Beyond the Baseline: Legends and Leaders of Our Game event, AlumNation and the Women’s Final Four 3v3 Tournament will involve women’s basketball alumni and others.
The NCAA and the Dallas Local Organizing Committee already have spent significant time involving thousands of metroplex families in the Women’s Final Four. Whether it’s the Read to the Final Four program that included thousands of area students or the Police Athletic League youth clinics, there is a significant effort being made by the NCAA and Dallas Local Organizing Committee to leave a lasting legacy in the community. Women’s Final Four week events will include team pep rallies, hospital visits and a court renovation in Dallas.
Here’s a look at the different events that will be part of championship week. Note that full event details are available at ncaa.com/womensfinalfour.
Game Day Information (All times Central)
Friday, March 31: Division I national semifinals, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 2: Division I national championship game, 5 p.m.
Tickets for all games are now on sale at ncaa.com/wbbtickets.
Tourney Town presented by Capital One
When: Friday, March 31, to Sunday, April 2
Times: March 31: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
April 1: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
April 2: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E
Admission: Free for fans of all ages
Tourney Town presented by Capital One will take place right outside the doors of American Airlines Center. Tourney Town is a festival packed with youth clinics, basketball contests, giveaways, concerts, interactive games, special appearances, autograph signings and more.
Women’s Final Four ticket holders will be treated to free concerts taking place at Tourney Town. Jennifer Nettles of the band Sugarland will perform in a private concert Saturday, April 1.
In addition, the Women’s Final Four will again find ways to support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and has created new elements at Tourney Town for fan participation and to increase donations to find a cure for women’s cancers.
NCAA Bounce
When: Sunday, April 2 | 12:30 p.m.
Where: Victory Plaza at American Airlines Center
Admission: Free for kids ages 18 and under, online preregistration is required
The NCAA Bounce is for kids 18 and under who are invited to participate in this unique and free event, joining thousands of fans dribbling their way through Victory Plaza. The first 2,000 participants will receive a free basketball and T-shirt.
NCAA Youth Clinics
When: Saturday, April 1 | Several clinic times
Where: Tourney Town
Admission: Free for children in grades three through eight, with online preregistration required
NCAA Youth Clinics include conditioning and life skills from NCAA coaches and student-athletes. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt and other promotional items.
Beyond the Baseline: Legends and Leaders of Our Game
When: Friday, March 31 | Time TBA
Where: W Hotel
Admission: Free, preregistration is required
Join in this exclusive and exciting networking opportunity at Beyond the Baseline. This event and happy hour are open to all levels of professionals, industry leaders and more. Hear from some of the most influential women in the industry as they discuss developing talent in the workplace and looking at lessons that student-athletes learn on the court that can help them in their transition to the boardroom.
Women’s Final Four 3v3 Tournament and AlumNation
When: 3v3 Tournament — Sunday, April 2 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
AlumNation — Throughout the weekend
Where: Women’s Final Four 3v3 Tournament — Tourney Town
Admission: $35 per team entry fee, $10 per individual entry fee for 3v3 Tournament
AlumNation serves as a homecoming of NCAA women’s basketball alumni from across the nation. This will include a special ticket package for former women’s basketball student-athletes, as well as the women’s-only 3v3 Tournament on Sunday, April 2, at Tourney Town.
