SAN ANTONIO – Excitement is building as San Antonio prepares to host the 2025 Men’s NCAA Final Four.
The San Antonio Local Organizing Committee hosted a press conference on Tuesday to provide updates on public safety measures, transportation options and other key events.
Here’s what to know:
- Officials said the free March Madness Music Festival and Tip-Off Tailgate will take place rain or shine.
- People can start lining up at the music festival at 7 a.m.
- Severe weather will be a possibility Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The heaviest rainfall will fall north of the San Antonio area, but some places could pick up some more much-needed rain.
>> Final Four forecast: Storm chances and temperature swings add to the chaos of March Madness
- If severe weather or lightning becomes a factor, officials will release updates on the Men’s Final Four App.
- Umbrellas will NOT be allowed inside the March Madness Music Festival. However, umbrellas will be allowed at the Alamodome and the Tip-Off Tailgate.
- Those attending Final Four or related events should use the SAPark mobile app for parking information.
- There will be no public parking at the Alamodome.
- Rideshare will be available in Lot B for people attending Final Four games. For those attending the events at Hemisfair, there will be a rideshare lot at Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Indianola Street.
- VIA Park & Ride will be available for Final Four events all weekend. Service will depart from Crossroads Park & Ride and Blossom Athletic Center. Click here for details.
- SAPD Chief William McManus said all events have a clear-bag policy unless they meet a certain size. Click here for the policy.
- McManus added that security will be present around the clock throughout Final Four weekend, particularly in the Hemisfair area.
>> What’s changed downtown since San Antonio last hosted the Men’s Final Four in 2018
The NCAA Men’s Final Four will take place on Saturday, April 5 at the Alamodome, with Florida taking on Auburn at 5:09 p.m., and Houston playing Duke at 7:49 p.m.
The championship game is scheduled for Monday, April 7. This will mark the fifth time the men’s Final Four is held at the venue.
>> How to get tickets for Final Four games in San Antonio
The men’s Final Four weekend will also bring other jam-packed events, including the free March Madness Music Festival.
Pitbull, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Doechii and T-Pain are among those scheduled to perform at the festival in Tower Park.
Nearby, Civic Park will host the free Tip-Off Tailgate, which will include watch parties, activities, food and drinks.
>> Other big events happening in downtown San Antonio during Final Four weekend
The events are expected to attract over 100,000 out-of-town visitors during the weekend.
Final Four daily schedule
Friday, April 4
- 10 a.m.: Reese’s Men’s Final Four Friday, Alamodome. The event is free.
- 10 a.m.: Doors open, free parking in Alamodome Lot B (limited)
- 11 a.m.: Team 1 open practice
- Noon: Team 2 open practice
- 1 p.m.: Team 3 open practice
- 2 p.m.: Team 4 open practice
- 3:35 p.m.: Reese’s NABC College All-Star Game
- Noon-6 p.m.: Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One, Henry B. González Convention Center.
- 3-11 p.m.: Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan, Civic Park.
- 4:30-10 p.m.: March Madness Music Festival: AT&T Block Party, Tower Park at Hemisfair.
- Performers: Pitbull, Doechii, Ravyn Lenae
Saturday, April 5
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One, Henry B. González Convention Center
- 11 a.m.: Men’s Final Four River Rally, Rivercenter Lagoon at River Walk
- 1:30-11 p.m.: Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan, Civic Park
- 3-8:30 p.m.: March Madness Music Festival: Coke Live, Tower Park at Hemisfair
- Performers: Jelly Roll, T-Pain, Willow Avalon
- 3 p.m.: Gates open for Semifinal Games, Alamodome
- 5:09 p.m.: Semifinal Game 1, Alamodome
- 7:49 p.m.: Semifinal Game 2, Alamodome
Sunday, April 6
- 8 a.m.: Men’s Final Four Dribble presented by Buick, Travis Park
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One, Henry B. González Convention Center
- Noon-5 p.m.: Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan, Civic Park
- 2:30-10:30 p.m.: March Madness Music Festival: Capital One JamFest, Tower Park at Hemisfair
- Performers: Chris Stapleton, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Benson Boone, Brothers Osborne
Monday, April 7
- Noon-6 p.m.: Men’s Final Four Fan Fest Presented by Capital One, Henry B. González Convention Center
- 3-9 p.m.: Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan, Civic Park
- 5:30 p.m.: Gates open for national championship game, Alamodome
- 7:50 p.m. National championship tip-off
- Postgame: Championship river parade, Arneson River Theatre at River Walk
If you plan to attend, click here for a guide to everything you need to know before heading out.
More Final Four coverage on KSAT:
