Finalists announced for 2017-2020 Final Four hosts
By Jeff Adcox
Thirteen cities and regions have been named finalists to host future Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Committees announced today. The process to identify the Final Four locations for 2017-2020 will conclude in November 2014 for both championships.
The eight finalists for the Men’s Final Four are Atlanta, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix/Glendale, San Antonio and St. Louis. Those cities/regions have combined to host 24 previous Men’s Final Fours, and are scheduled to host the next two as well. The 2014 Men’s Final Four will be played in North Texas, while Indianapolis will host in 2015. Houston will host the event in 2016.
“The Men’s Final Four has grown into one of the biggest and best sporting events in the world, so it’s easy to understand why these cities would put their best foot forward in attempt to secure a bid,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA vice president for men’s basketball. “We fully expect the remainder of the bid process to be competitive, and while it’s obvious that there are difficult decisions ahead, we also know that based on what we have seen so far from these prospective hosts, we are going to have great Final Fours in the coming years.”
The seven finalist cities under consideration to host a Women’s Final Four during the 2017-20 bid cycle are Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. Of that list, only New Orleans (1991, 2004 and 2013) and Tampa Bay (2008) have hosted previously. Nashville will serve as host of the 2014 Women’s Final Four, while Tampa Bay will host again in 2015. Indianapolis will host the event in 2016.
“The amount of interest for the Women’s Final Four was considerable, making it extremely difficult for the committee to narrow the focus to the seven cities making the finalist list,” said Anucha Browne, NCAA vice president for women’s basketball. “As America’s marquee women’s sporting event, these cities understand the importance of the Women’s Final Four and will work to make it shine in their respective communities.”