While the Butler Bulldogs are down in Houston making their second-consecutive Final Four appearance, Indianapolis is back on the big stage hosting the Women’s Final Four.
This year, the game atmosphere will be different but much improved. Instead of hosting the games at Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse will be the host venue where a sell-out is inevitable. Because the interest level isn’t near what it is for the men’s games, Conseco is a perfect venue for the women’s championship.
Conseco Fieldhouse has hosted so many big events including the NBA and WNBA finals, World Basketball Championships, Big Ten Tournament and Swimming championships. It truly is the number one sports venue in the country. There isn’t a bad seat in the place and the setup is comfortable and ideal for visiting teams.
I will working all weekend long with media relations. That means like the Big Ten Tournament, more behind-the-scenes coverage for you, stuff you won’t get anywhere! I am excited for another great, big-game experience for myself. Next goal: Super Bowl.
Conseco Fieldhouse has already dramatically been transformed for the Final Four. As you see, great signage has already been displayed outside thanks to the good people at Sports Graphics. The challenging part comes Friday night because staffers have to wait until after the game to put the finishing touches on the arena. Sports Graphic personnel will come in and hang all the banners inside the Fieldhouse and the Pacers court will be exchanged for the Final Four court.
Indianapolis is hosting its second final four. The cities first was in 2005 at the RCA Dome with Baylor hoisting the trophy.
Sure this weekend doesn’t have the buzz or popularity as the men’s Final Four, but there are many positives such as the millions Indianapolis businesses will make off the tourney. It is also great publicity for the city with ESPN having some of their big personalities on the air. More coverage = more publicity.
Friday is day slated for each team to get interviews out of the way with media but most specifically ESPN who is broadcasting the weekend. Westwood One will have the radio broadcasts and so this time Friday allows broadcasters to get familiar with the teams.
Friday night, teams will participate in the team arrival salute dinner at the Indiana Convention Center followed by a Cirque de Salute.
Saturday events include autograph sessions and open practices for each of the teams. That is finished off with a high-school all star game. Times are below:
11am-12pm Stanford, 12:05-1:05 Texas A&M, 1:35-2:35 Notre Dame, 2:40-3:40 Connecticut, 4:30-6:30 WBCA High School All-America Game
Each team also has an official restaurant downtown for fans: Stanford – Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas A&M – Scotty’s Brewhouse, Notre Dame – The Ram, UConn – Champps.
Stay tuned for posts this weekend with pictures and notes only here, at VigilantSports.com.