Final Four: Now ‘Bigger And Better’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA senior vice president of the Indiana Sports Corp. says the NCAA men's basketball Final Four experience in Indianapolis “continues to improve.” Susan Baughman says attractions such as the free March Madness Music Festival offer families an affordable way to be involved, even if they aren't attending the games. During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, she told Sports Contributor Bill Benner the 2015 edition of the Final Four festivities will feature more and bigger events than the previous six hosted by the city. The Music Festival started in Indy in 2006 and this year will include concerts with Rihanna, Imagine Dragons and the Zak Brown Band.
This week's events are expected to draw 70,000 visitors to the city and create an estimated $70 million economic impact.
Indianapolis last hosted the men's Final Four in 2010.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
April 3, 2015
Excerpt of the Final Four Weekend Schedule:
Friday, April 3
Reese’s Final Four Friday
Lucas Oil Stadium
11 a.m. – Reese’s Team Works Celebration & Special Performance by Austin Mahone
Noon – 4 p.m. – Final Four Teams Practice
Michigan State (12-12:50 p.m.); Duke (1-1:50 p.m.); Wisconsin (2-2:50 p.m.); Kentucky (3-3:50 p.m.)
4:30 p.m. – Reese’s College All-Star Game
Rosters announced: http://www.nabc.org/Reese-s_College_All-Star_Games/2015_Reese-s_Div_I_All-Star_Game_Rosters_3-31-15.pdf
Several of the IHSAA state championship basketball teams will be recognized during the day. The 1954 Milan team will have an autograph signing session, as well as the participants in the Reese’s College All-Star Game.
Reese’s Final Four Friday is a free event for fans to come watch the student-athletes from the 2015 NCAA Final Four teams participate in one of their final practices before the national semifinal games. Fans who attend will have the opportunity to hear from each head coach after their sessions and engage in on-court promotions. The day concludes with the Reese’s College All-Star Game tipping off at 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 3
Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One
Indiana Convention Center
Noon – 8 p.m.
Detailed schedule of daily events: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four/fan-fest-daily-event-schedule
Final Four Fan Fest is the ultimate pregame destination. A budget-friendly, four-day indoor interactive event, Fan Fest targets basketball fans and fans of all NCAA sports by offering them a chance to meet legendary coaches and former college stars at exclusive autograph sessions, sign up for daily youth clinics, and participate in a host of sport activities ranging from basketball to lacrosse to hockey and more. The weekend also boasts a variety of unique entertainment including the annual Final Four Pep Rally featuring the bands and cheerleaders from the four participating NCAA Final Four teams.
Friday, April 3
NCAA March Madness Music Festival – AT&T Block Party
White River State Park
3 – 10 p.m.
Cold War Kids (4:45 p.m.); Weezer (6:30 p.m.); Imagine Dragons (8:30 p.m.)
The March Madness Music Festival is a free, three-day event at White River State Park in Downtown Indianapolis.
Saturday, April 4
Northwestern Mutual Road to the Final Four 5K (Run/Walk)
NCAA Hall of Champions
6:30 a.m. – On-site registration and packet pick-up begins
8 a.m. – Race begins
Runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Northwestern Mutual Road to the Final Four 5K. The event benefits the Coaches vs. Cancer program, which is a collaborative effort between the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches. Proceeds from the April 4 event will support pediatric cancer research and other Society initiatives.
Saturday, April 4
Coca-Cola NCAA Youth Clinics (Pre-registration for all four clinics is full)
Locations:
Lawrence North High School
Pike High School
Indy South Sports Academy
Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One
Time:
8:30 a.m. – Check In
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Clinics
The NCAA Youth Clinics are a community outreach program that connects area youth with selected college championships. On Saturday, April 4, youth in grades 3-8 and their families will receive basketball clinic instruction from NCAA coaches and student-athletes while also getting tips on how to live active and healthy lifestyles. During the clinics, parents have the opportunity to participate in an educational session on collegiate athletic recruitment and eligibility, the importance of physical fitness and sports injury prevention. The youth clinics will take place at multiple locations, including Pike High School, Lawrence North High School and Indy South Sports Academy.
Saturday, April 4
Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One
Indiana Convention Center
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Detailed schedule of daily events: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four/fan-fest-daily-event-schedule
Final Four Fan Fest is the ultimate pregame destination. A budget-friendly, four-day indoor interactive event, Fan Fest targets basketball fans and fans of all NCAA sports by offering them a chance to meet legendary coaches and former college stars at exclusive autograph sessions, sign up for daily youth clinics, and participate in a host of sport activities ranging from basketball to lacrosse to hockey and more. The weekend also boasts a variety of unique entertainment including the annual Final Four Pep Rally featuring the bands and cheerleaders from the four participating NCAA Final Four teams.
Saturday, April 4
King Kennedy Memorial Commemoration
King Park (Broadway and 17th)
The Initiative specifically honors the historic event that took place in Indianapolis on the evening of April 4th 1968. On that fateful day, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in Memphis. That very night, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was scheduled to give a campaign speech to the city of Indianapolis.
Despite warnings about his own personal safety and the fear of possible violence in the wake of the assassination, Kennedy insisted that he personally address the men and women who had gathered for his campaign rally at 17th and Broadway.
Many historians credit Kennedy’s six-minute, unrehearsed speech of peace and non-violence as a major factor in Indianapolis avoiding the violence that took place across the nation. Our Initiative feels this is an epic accomplishment which needs to be remembered each year.
Our annual commemoration festival is a torch bearer to honor ALL citizens the world over who strive to uphold those same values of courage, peace, freedom and equality. Please join our efforts to transform King Park into a global destination to celebrate and continue in the footsteps of these two heroes to build a strong, peaceful global community dedicated to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Saturday, April 4
NCAA March Madness Music Festival – Coke Zero Countdown
White River State Park
Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Bleachers (2:15 p.m.); Passion Pit (4 p.m.); First National Semifinal; Rihanna (8:15 p.m.)
The March Madness Music Festival is a free, three-day event at White River State Park in Downtown Indianapolis.
Sunday, April 5
Final Four Dribble refreshed by Coca-Cola (Pre-registration is full; limited number of registrations will be available on-site)
Begins at the Indiana Convention Center (near Georgia Street entrance)
12:30 p.m. – Registration begins
2 p.m. – Dribble begins
Encouraging fun, healthy, active living for Indianapolis’ youth, up to 3,200 youth and their families will join the NCAA and Coca-Cola for the Final Four Dribble. Participants will parade through the heart of downtown Indianapolis, led by NBA legend David Robinson. Registration kicks off on Sunday, April 5, at 12:30 p.m. The walk begins at 2 p.m., starting from South Capitol Avenue (between West Georgia Street and Maryland Street) and finishing at Lucas Oil Stadium at 2:30 p.m. Participating youth w