Your complete guide to the 2026 Final Four and more in Indianapolis
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All of these trophies will be hoisted this weekend in Indy. Photo: Luke Hales/Getty Images
Indianapolis' biggest basketball weekend of 2026 tips off Thursday.
Why it matters: Tens of thousands of fans are expected to participate in programming centered around several different tournaments.
- That includes the men's Final Four; the Division II and Division III men's championship games; the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) men's semifinals and championship; and the HBCU All-Star Game.
State of play: It's the first time one city will host the NCAA DI, DII, DIII and NIT title games in a single weekend.
- The festivities will have an estimated economic impact of more than $400 million.
Yes, but: The weekend is about more than basketball. Fans will get access to events like a free music fest headlined by Post Malone, a celebration of local culture and an exhibition of the food that gives Indy its flavor.
What they're saying: "You can already see it with the signage around downtown going up, people out beautifying the city and activations coming to life," said Indiana Sports Corp. president Patrick Talty. "The national spotlight will once again be on the city of Indianapolis."
Zoom in: Here's everything you need to make the next five days a slam dunk.
🏀 On the court
- NIT semifinal action starts at 7pm Thursday at Hinkle Fieldhouse with New Mexico vs. Tulsa, followed by Auburn vs. Illinois State. The winners will play for the championship at 8pm Sunday inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- The Final Four begins Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium with Illinois vs. UConn at 6:09 p.m., followed by Michigan vs. Arizona. Winners will battle for the NCAA title at 8:30pm Monday.
- The HBCU All-Star Game at the Indiana State Fairgrounds' Corteva Coliseum will see 24 players face off at 1pm Sunday.
- Gainbridge will host Gannon vs. Lander for the Division II championship at 1pm Sunday, and Emory vs. Mary Washington for the Division III championship at 4:30pm.
🎵 On the stage
- Downtown's American Legion Mall will be the site of the three-day NCAA March Madness Music Festival.
- Friday's lineup includes Joey Valence & Brae performing at 5pm, keshi at 6:45pm and Twenty One Pilots at 8:30pm.
- BRELAND will kick off Saturday's shows at 3:15pm., followed by Ravyn Lenae at 4:45pm, Russell Dickerson at 6:15pm and Zac Brown Band at 8:10pm.
- Sunday will bring Dominic Fike to the stage at 4:45pm, Megan Moroney at 6:30pm and an event-closing set from Post Malone at 8:30pm.
- Seating for the festival is first-come, first-served. Fans can start lining up at 7am each day.
🙌 For the fans
- The NCAA Final Four Fan Fest Friday-Monday at the Indiana Convention Center will feature interactive games, celebrity appearances and autograph signings.
- It's open noon-6pm Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday, noon-6pm Sunday and noon-8pm Monday.
- Tickets are $15. Kids 12 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Other opportunities to attend the fest for free are available.
🍛 For the culture
- The Swish 2026 Festival Friday-Monday will bring food, music, dance and history to the proceedings.
- Music and dance performances will take place at various times at Monument Circle, 1 Virginia Avenue, PNC Plaza, Georgia Street East and the patio of the Starbucks at 30 S. Meridian St.
- Epicurean Indy returns to the Stutz with more than 50 food vendors, and Mokao will offer a ticketed multicourse dinner.
- See the full schedule and map here.