2024 Final Four Experience

Ethics Matters

Q2 2024

My wife and I had a great experience at the 2024 Final Four in Phoenix, AZ. The four teams competing for the championship this year were NC State University, Purdue, University of Alabama and the University of Connecticut (UConn). We started the weekend with a three-hour tour of the Men’s Final Four Fan Fest. Vendors, including Coke, Wendy’s and the U.S. Army, were there in full force, offering fun games to challenge fans of all ages and skill levels. During our Fan Fest experience, we met fellow fans from all over the country, and enjoyed way too much food!     

On each game day, we made our way into the arena. It came down to two teams – Purdue (Boilermakers) and UConn (Wolfpack). Our seats placed us right between opposing fans. Boilermakers on our left, and the Wolfpack on our right. It was so exciting to watch these two competitors go at it. The energy added by the fans made the experience even better. The game and the fans were fierce! UConn fans went home happy that day as they were the reigning victors.    

As we traveled home, we both agreed that watching the games on television doesn’t provide the full magnitude of the Final Four Experience.   Being there added a heightened level of excitement. Stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson were in the midst of it all. We met Ray Allen along with other UConn alumni basketball players. ESPN interviews were set up seemingly everywhere! It is amazing how the Final Four permeated every corner of the city of Phoenix! We had an amazing time!