Charlotte watch parties for N.C. State Final Four games
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North Carolina is buzzing with two teams playing in the Final Four this weekend — they both happen to be N.C. State.
Why it matters: N.C. State may not have been the North Carolina team you had on your bingo card as heading to the Final Four. But much of the country has fallen in love with the Wolfpack during their magical run throughout this tournament.
Context: It's the first time the men's and women's programs have made the Final Four at the same time, Axios' Zachery Eanes writes.
- The women's program last advanced to the Final Four in 1998.
- The men's program hasn't made it this far since 1983. They went on to win it all that year.
- Facing off against the Wolfpack women is South Carolina, a dominant program. Renowned head coach Dawn Staley has led the team to two national titles — 2017 and 2022.
State of play: On the women's side, No. 3 N.C. State plays No. 1 South Carolina on Friday, April 5, at 7pm on ESPN. The winner will play the winner of No. 3 UConn vs. No. 1 Iowa, who play at 9:30pm Friday on ESPN. The games will take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
- The women's final is scheduled for Sunday, April 7.
On the men's side: No. 11 N.C. State faces No. 1 Purdue on Saturday, April 6, at 6:09pm on TBS, followed by No. 1 UConn vs. No. 4 Alabama at 8:49pm on TBS. The games will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- The men's final is scheduled for Monday, April 8.
Between the lines: If you're looking for a Wolfpack watch party in Charlotte for both the women's and the men's games, join N.C. State's Charlotte alumni at Caswell Station (366 N. Caswell Road) in Elizabeth or nearby Big Ben Pub (1535 Elizabeth Ave). RSVP here.
- Gamecock fans can gather to watch at the South Carolina bar Horseshoe in South End (1515 S. Mint). The women's game will be on all TVs, and all ages are welcome.
Who we're watching: On the women's side, keep an eye on junior guard Aziaha James, who led N.C. State with 27 points in their Elite Eight win vs. Texas to advance to the Final Four.
On the men's side, look out for center DJ Burns, a fan favorite graduate student and Rock Hill native who transferred from Winthrop. He scored 29 points in their Elite Eight win vs. Duke.
Zoom out: Three of the four teams playing in the women's Final Four will be in Charlotte this fall for the second Ally Tipoff at Spectrum Center.
- The lineup: South Carolina vs. N.C. State. and Iowa vs. Virginia Tech.