NCAA

Playing the long game

How hosting increasingly important sporting events has been shaped in the Valley

Arizona State guard Jamiya Neal (5) during of an NCAA college basketball game against Washington State Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Darryl Webb

From left, Josh Bartelstein (CEO Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury), Dan Gavitt (NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball) and Dr. Charles McClelland (Chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee) take time to reminisce on past Final Four experiences at a Wednesday press conference. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

The greater Phoenix Valley has shown time and time again that it is a sports destination for all kinds of fans.

This year is no different, with the 2024 NCAA March Madness tournament Final Four and Championship rounds hosted at State Farm Stadium this April.

Tucson’s McKale Center has hosted 59 total tournament games from 1974 to 2011, which is seventh most all time according to the NCAA. Most of the action has shifted to Glendale since State Farm Stadium opened in 2006.

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