PHOENIX, Ariz. – The NCAA on Friday selected Phoenix to host the 2017 Men’s Final Four, heralding the event’s return to the West for the first time since 1995.
The national semifinals are set for Saturday, April 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium, with the national championship game tipping off on Monday, April 3, 2017.
The Valley’s bid was a collaborative effort, with Arizona State University as the host institution and AZSTA, local municipalities, sports organizations and tourism bureaus working together under one banner.
“This is Phoenix’s time to shine,” said Ray Anderson, ASU Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director. “We thank all the partners who made this a true community effort. We are grateful for the privilege of hosting this iconic event and promise to provide an unforgettable experience for the NCAA, student-athletes, alumni and fans.
Friday’s announcement confirms Arizona’s status as a premier destination for major sporting events, a key driver in the state’s economy.
“We thank the NCAA for selecting Phoenix,” said Tom Sadler, President and CEO of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, which owns University of Phoenix Stadium. “With a state-of-the-art stadium, ideal spring weather and a flawless record of hosting major sporting events, Phoenix will set a new standard of excellence for the Final Four.”
Phoenix was selected in a competitive bid process that included seven other finalists to host the 2017-2020 Men’s Final Fours. Phoenix stands apart as the first Western city to host the Final Four since 1995, when Seattle staged the event in the since-demolished Kingdome. That was also the last time the Final Four was played in the Pac-12’s footprint.
"I am thrilled for the city of Phoenix and for Arizona State University," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. "The city and the organizing group will serve as great partners for the Final Four and deliver a dynamic atmosphere for our student-athletes and fans."
Previous Final Fours have generated tens of millions of dollars in economic impact for host cities; New Orleans reported $135 million in economic impact in 2012, Atlanta reported $70 million in 2013 and North Texas projected $276 million in 2014.
The Final Four provides a media spotlight rivaling the Super Bowl; a record 1,892 media were credentialed for the 2014 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Dallas.
In Phoenix, the 2017 Final Four’s impact will be felt long after the event through Legacy programs that will be announced soon.
“It is an honor for ASU to serve as the host institution,” said Dawn Rogers, ASU Senior Associate Athletics Director. “In addition to focusing on the student-athlete experience, we will activate our faculty, staff and students to be engaged in a variety of partnerships. Having our students involved in the many opportunities within the championship will enrich their educational experience. The Phoenix Final Four will provide an unforgettable experience for our university community as well as the student-athletes, coaches and fans of the four competing teams. We can’t wait to get started!”
The Phoenix Final Four Bid Committee:Ray Anderson, ASU Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director
Dawn Rogers, ASU Senior Associate Athletics Director
Tom Sadler, President and CEO, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority
Debbie Johnson, President and CEO, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association
Steve Moore, President and CEO, Visit Phoenix
Paul Blue, Deputy City Manager, City of Phoenix
What They’re Saying About the Final Four
Governor-elect Doug Ducey
“I could not be more proud that our great state of Arizona has been selected as one of the sites for the NCAA Final Four. Having the opportunity to host this event is great for our tourism industry and especially important to showcase to the nation what Arizona has to offer. I look forward to welcoming the teams and using this as a spotlight to demonstrate that Arizona is the best state in which to do business.”
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton
“The Final Four will be one of the most exciting events we’ve ever hosted. This is a tremendous honor, and I’m grateful to the NCAA for selecting Phoenix from such a competitive field. Hosting the Final Four is yet another great opportunity for us to show that there is no better place to host major sports events.”
Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill
“The Arizona Cardinals are honored to be part of the team that brought the Final Four to the Valley. From the outset, the vision for University of Phoenix Stadium was to attract world-class events such as this. We thank the NCAA for selecting our community to host one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events that will also generate tens of millions of dollars in economic impact for Arizona. The Valley business community appreciates the immense value of the Final Four and will unite to support it. The Cardinals have thrived at University of Phoenix Stadium and I know that the Final Four will also.”
Glendale City Manager Brenda Fischer
“Glendale is excited to be a part of the team that worked to bring the NCAA Men’s Final Four to University of Phoenix Stadium. Glendale will collaborate with other partners to ensure that the Final Four is an unforgettable experience for the NCAA and its student-athletes, partners, alumni and fans.”
AZSTA Board Chair Jeffrey A. Meyer
“This is a landmark day for Arizona. AZSTA is grateful to all of the community partners who came together to support Phoenix’s bid and demonstrate once again that Phoenix is the national leader in hosting major sporting events. We thank the NCAA for selecting University of Phoenix Stadium to host this great event, and we promise to deliver an excellent experience for the NCAA, its student-athletes and all other stakeholders.”
Arizona Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall
“This has been a long time coming, and we congratulate the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee and all the community partners who worked so hard to bring the Final Four to Phoenix. The NCAA and its student-athletes will experience what the Diamondbacks have known for years – Phoenix is passionate about sports and will strongly support this great event. We can’t wait to welcome March Madness to the Valley.”
Phoenix Suns President Jason Rowley
“The Phoenix Suns congratulate the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee for bringing the Final Four to our great city. This is a memorable day for Valley sports fans. We look forward to joining the rest of the Valley in welcoming the best college basketball teams to the best place for major sporting events.”