Indy Hosts Basketball Frenzy: NCAA Men’s Final Four

Call it  March Madness or Hoosier Hysteria, but whatever you call it, March in Indiana means basketball tourney time.  This March is no exception and even more exciting as fans from across the nation with turn to Indianapolis as it proudly hosts the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four competition April 1-5.

As the best college basketball teams in the country come together to crown a champion, even if you aren’t a basketball fan, you won’t want to miss a moment of the excitement that awaits you:

• Bracket Town refreshed by Coca-Cola Zero - (April 1-5) held at Indiana Convention Center (map) is the ultimate basketball fan destination with interactive exhibits where you can feel part of the championship action, try your hand at being a sports announcer, pick up a game or two, enjoy autograph sessions, kids zone, merchandise, food and fun.  (Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for kids 3-11, seniors and military)
• Final Four Friday Team Practice – (April 2) watch your favorite teams get their head in the game as they hit the hardwood for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium (map). Practice times for all four teams are open and free to the public and a few lucky fans might even receive tickets to the semifinal and championship game during random give-aways
• Catch the rising basketball stars in action during the Reese’s All-star game featuring top college senior athletes from around the country as two teams compete.  Immediately following team practices, this event is also free and open to the public.
• AT&T Block Party-The Big Dance Concert Series – (April 2-4) held at White River State Park (map) this free, three day celebration for basketball and music fans alike will also feature food and activities from 4:30 – 10:30 nightly. Among the artist scheduled to perform will be Daughtry, Darius Rucker and the Goo Goo Dolls
• Big Dance Countdown -(April 3) the world’s largest pep rally featuring a military fly-over to countdown to tip-off – tickets to the games may be sold out, but you can still watch the semi-final action on video boards with thousands of your closest friends
• NCAA Final Four Dribble -  (April 4) for basketball fans under the age of 18, participants can dribble a basketball from NCAA headquarters in White River State Park to the entrance of Bracket Town. Be one of the first 2,000 fans to register for this free event and receive a free basketball and t-shirt courtesy of NCAA.  The t-shirt will grant you free admission today to Bracket Town.

The last time Indianapolis played host to the NCAA Final Four our family had recently become “replanted” Hoosiers.  We participated in the Dribble and attended Bracket Town.  It was a  truly fun family experience and a great introduction to the city of Indianapolis.

With so many new events taking place surrounding the NCAA championship, we can hardly wait for the Final Four frenzy to begin this year.

Photo Selections: sxc, flickr