Phoenix officials unveil official NCAA Final Four bracket downtown

By Lucas Gordon/Cronkite News
Published: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 8:34am
Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 1:53pm

Pink bracket
Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News
The Coca-Cola NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket stands in front of the Phoenix Convention Center on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

It takes a large team to put on an event as big as the NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four. After hosting the event in 2017, Phoenix is once again bringing the college basketball championship to State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

As the tournament gets started Tuesday with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, the city of Phoenix is finishing its preparations for the Final Four in 18 days.

Jay Parry, CEO of the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, marked the start of the NCAA Tournament Tuesday with the unveiling of the official Coca-Cola bracket.

Located outside of the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, the 16-foot tall, 25-foot wide 3D bracket is expected to become a fan-favorite picture spot. The convention center will be home to the low-cost fan fest occurring during the days leading up to the national championship game April 8.

Woman holds up can of Coke
Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News
ay Parry, CEO of the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, unveils the official Coca-Cola bracket outside the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

The Phoenix Local Organizing Committee has more events planned. A free music festival featuring the Jonas Brothers and Zedd will be held at Hance Park, and a free tailgate will take place outside of State Farm Stadium.

“Unveiling the bracket in downtown Phoenix today proves that the tournament is starting,” Parry said. “We’re ready for the music fest and fan fest in downtown Phoenix and the free tailgate and practice in Glendale, the Friday before the Final Four starts.”

With all of the events scheduled for the Final Four, Parry hopes that families, fans, athletes and more will find something fun to do while the event is in town.

“The Men’s Final Four has something for everyone. It’s a four-day celebration for our residents and our visitors who come to town. Whether you love music or sports, we have low-cost and free events all around the Valley,” Parry said.

Basketball on top of Coca-Cola ad
Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News
The Coca-Cola NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket stands in front of the Phoenix Convention Center on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Basketball with Final Four logo
Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News
College basketball fans can flock to downtown Phoenix to see the Coca-Cola bracket as the city gears up to host the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

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