TAMPA, Fla. — The 2019 NCAA Women's Final Four tips off in Tampa this weekend and there are a lot of fun events happening around town leading up to the games.
Championship week in Tampa Bay will culminate Friday, April 5, with the national semifinals at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena. The national championship game will be played at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at Amalie Arena.
“There is a reason we keep coming back to Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County,” said Lynn Holzman, NCAA vice president of women’s basketball. “This will be the third time in 12 years that the NCAA Women’s Final Four is being held in Tampa Bay, and we are excited to see the event details coming together. All 1,000 student-athletes who will be part of the 2019 championship have one goal in mind, and that is to reach Tampa Bay. Our saying is ‘See It All, Do It All, Go Four It All’ and we hope that as many people as possible experience all that is being offered Women’s Final Four week.”
GAME/TICKET INFORMATION
When: National semifinals — 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 (ESPN2)
National championship — 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7 (ESPN)
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
Click here to buy tickets to one or all of the games.
“We are beyond excited to welcome the NCAA and the Women’s Final Four back to Tampa Bay. As a third-time host, we look forward to rolling out the red carpet and elevating the student-athlete, visitor and fan experience like never before,” said Claire Lessinger, executive director of the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee. “We invite visitors and locals alike to take part in everything that this amazing weekend has to offer; from the games at Amalie Arena to the free, fun, family-friendly events and all of the treasures that our destination has to offer. We can’t wait for the women’s basketball community to take over Tampa Bay.”
Want to Volunteer?
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the NCAA are looking for enthusiastic individuals to serve as "ambassadors" for the events surrounding the 2019 NCAA Women's Final Four. There are more than 2,000 shifts available, including transportation and courtesy car drivers, greeters at hotels, airports and other locations and shifts range from three to four hours. Volunteers are asked to register for a minimum of three shifts throughout the weekend. The training is mandatory and volunteers can attend Thursday, March 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, March 31 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena. There are perks too! You will receive Women's Final Four apparel, a post-event volunteer appreciation event and a 2019 USF football ticket opportunity. Click here to register to volunteer.
Here's everything you need to know about the fan events surrounding the Final Four:
The Women's Final Four Tourney Town presented by Capital One is happening all weekend at the Tampa Convention Center. It's a free event, open to the public and includes activities and events for the entire family.
WHEN: Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7
LOCATION: Tampa Convention Center
COST: FREE and open to the public!
TOURNEY TOWN HOURS:
Friday, April 5: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, April 6: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, April 7: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
On Sunday, April 7, kids 18 and younger are invited to participate in the official fan festival of the 2019 Women's Final Four, The Women's Final Four Bounce presented by Buick. The first 2,000 participants get a free basketball and shirt.
EVENT DATE: Sunday, April 7
EVENT TIME: 1 p.m.
EVENT LOCATION: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
BOUNCE ROUTE:
Start Line: Tampa Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Finish Line: Tourney Town at the Tampa Convention Center
CHECK-IN (required): 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
COST: FREE! Public registration opens Feb. 20.
REGISTRATION: Online pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited and will go fast. First 2,000 registered participants will receive a T-shirt and basketball.
There will be a Party on the Plaza outside of Amalie Arena on Friday, April 5 and Sunday, April 7. The event is free and open to the public. Fans will be able to celebrate the teams, listen to live music, buy merchandise and enjoy some food while participating in fan-friendly interactive games outside of the arena before the games.
WHEN: Friday, April 5, and Sunday, April 7
LOCATION: Main entrance plaza outside Amalie Arena
COST: FREE and open to the public!
PARTY ON THE PLAZA TIMES:
Friday, April 5: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 7: 3 – 5:30 p.m.
Before the National Championship game, fans can cheer on the final two teams as they arrive and enter Amalie Arena on Sunday, April 7 at the main entrance plaza outside of Amalie Arena.
WHEN: Approximately 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7
LOCATION: Main entrance plaza outside Amalie Arena
COST: FREE and open to the public!
And there's fireworks to see! Super Saturday will happen at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday night and it's a free event, open to the public. There will be live-music, fireworks and a celebration of basketball.
RELATED: Gavin DeGraw to perform free concert at Curtis Hixon Park during Women’s Final Four festivities
WHEN: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, April 6
COST: FREE and open to the public!
LOCATION: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
