Downtown madness: Final Four countdown kicks off with Coca-Cola bracket reveal outside Phoenix Convention Center

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Downtown Phoenix Bracket Reveal, 300 words.
  • 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Lucas Gordon
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – 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 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball 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. 

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 on Saturday and Monday. 

“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.

The Coca-Cola NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket stands in front of the Phoenix Convention Center, mar. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)
The Phoenix Convention Center serves as the backdrop for the unveiling of the official Coca-Cola bracket, signaling the city’s readiness to host the NCAA Men’s Final Four. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)
Jay Parry, CEO of the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, unveils the official Coca-Cola bracket outside the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix Tuesday. (Photo by 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. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)