Can't score a ticket to an NCAA basketball championship game — or want to keep a tight budget? March Madness doesn't have to come with insane prices. Much of the thrilling action will be off the courts, including concerts from Grammy-winning artists, meet-and-greets with San Antonio Spurs legends, and tailgating fun.
With over 100,000 visitors expected to watch Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston vie for the final trophy, downtown will explode with can't-miss events from April 3-7 — and many of them are free. Read below for our guide to the essential events during San Antonio's slam-dunk Final Four weekend.
College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships
During this free event, some of the nation's best men's and women's college hoopers will showcase their slam dunk or three-point shooting skills. Notable alums of the competition will also be on hand, including Gary Payton, Steve Nash, Cappie Pondexter, and Odyssey Sims. Even the judge's booth will seat megawatt stars like NBA great Grant Hill and Spurs legends George Gervin and Sean Elliott. Tickets start at $24.
April 3, 6 pm at Frost Bank Center.
Fan Fest
Make a full-court press to this celebrity-filled party packed with interactive games, exhibits, demonstrations, autograph signings, and appearances from greats like David Robinson and Avery Johnson. Event sponsor Capital One Bank will welcome cardholders with early entry and free swag.
April 4 & 7, noon-6 pm; April 5-6, 10 am-6 pm at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
March Madness Music Festival
Top athletes won't be the only VIPs gracing San Antonio during the Final Four.This electrifying music festival includes three days of free outdoor performances from musical heavyweights like Pitbull, Doechii, Jelly Roll, T-Pain, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and Chris Stapleton.
April 4, 4:30-10 pm; April 5, 3-9 pm; April 6, 2:20-10 pm at Hemisfair Tower Park.
Men's Final Four Friday
Basketball fans of all ages can hoop it up during this complimentary day of interactive activities featuring each Final Four team squeezing in one last practice. Guests can also preview future NBA draft picks as top senior student-athletes compete in the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star Game.
April 4, 10 am-6 pm at Alamodome.
Tip-Off Tailgate
These free watch parties for the men's and women's Final Four games include giveaways, basketball-themed activities, and a curated selection of food and drinks. There are also meet-and-greet sessions with Spurs icons David Robinson and Manu Ginobili, former Duke Blue Devils star Christian Laettner, and Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy.
April 4 and 7, 3-10 pm; April 5, 1:30-11 pm; April 6, noon-5 pm at Civic Park.
River Rally
Show your team spirit by watching free performances by bands and spirit squads from each of the four participating schools floating along the River Walk.
April 5, 11 am-noon at the Lagoon at Shops at Rivercenter, 849 E. Commerce St.
Final Four Dribble
While there are no more participatory spots, guests can cheer on more than 3,000 local kids and teenagers dribbling a basketball through a one-mile course downtown. Each participant will move the ball freestyle while wearing a specially designed branded shirt.
April 6, 10 -11 am at Travis Park.
Championship River Parade
Fans of the newly crowned national champion can hoot and holler as players and coaches celebrate on barges drifting down the San Antonio River. The victorious team will show off their trophy and hold a final rally at the Arneson River Theater at 418 Villita St.
April 7, after the title game at La Villita.
