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Phoenix officials say 2026 Women’s Final Four brought large audiences and community benefits
Summary
City officials reported robust TV viewership, sold-out games, record credentialed media, high local attendance at community events, increased transit ridership and environmental mitigation steps after Phoenix hosted the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
City officials reviewed the outcomes and community impacts of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four, which Phoenix hosted in April. Jerry Harper, director of the Phoenix Convention Center, and Eric George, the city’s major events administrator, presented attendance, media and transport data to the subcommittee.
Eric George highlighted broadcast reach and local attendance: nearly 10 million viewers watched national championship broadcasts on ESPN networks, the semifinal games each drew more than 5 million viewers, and the semifinal and final games were sold out. The city reported record credentialed media coverage (about 1,280 media credentials) and international distribution across 227 territories.
Local activations drew substantial in-person participation: the Tourney Town event had its highest attendance since 2015 (about 25,610 reported), the Ford Allfest event drew over 35,000 attendees, and community legacy investments included refurbished courts, literacy lounges, computer labs and a mural at the Washington Activity Center.
Transport and operational numbers included a 19% overall increase in Valley Metro ridership during the weekend and a 65% surge at Downtown Phoenix stations; TSA checkpoint throughput was about 256,000 passengers over the period and SkyTrain usage exceeded 207,000 rides. The convention center purchased renewable energy and reported an estimated 38.1 metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided and an 83.15% waste diversion rate from landfill.
Council members praised the teams and asked organizers to carry lessons forward to the upcoming NBA All-Star Game preparations. Officials said they will present an economic-impact analysis later when final data are available.
