Seems like just yesterday when the Baylor Bears were cutting down the nets in the now imploded RCA Dome in the 2005 title game. Ladies, why have you stayed away so long? Welcome back, as we have indeed missed you.
It is the biggest stage in women’s collegiate basketball and it is finally back in our fair city after a five-year hiatus. All eyes will once again be on Indianapolis as the NCAA Women’s Final Four takes place at Conseco Fieldhouse April 3-5.
The event has become enormous since its inception in 1982, and thousands of fans from across the country and beyond are expected in Indianapolis as the finest women’s players battle it out for the coveted National Championship.
While the games themselves are the focal point, there are a bevy of activities and events during the tournament, with something of interest for fans of all ages. Tourney Town, located at the Indiana Convention Center, will once again be a focal point for those in attendance this year as the host for the Powerade NCAA Youth Clinics which will be conducted on April 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for those 8-16 years of age. The clinic is geared for active participation and will focus on discipline, confidence, and commitment in terms of preparing for basketball, and more importantly, life.
The NCAA has the aspiring journalist covered as well as it conducts a Girls Junior Journalism Workshop at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants chosen by the host committee will cover practices and press conferences, as they learn television and radio reporting techniques.
Also on Saturday, fans will be encouraged to watch the Final Four participants practice at Conseco Fieldhouse from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and to meet the players and get autographs. This event is free and is ideal for those who may not be able to attend the games in person. While in attendance for this great opportunity, you will want to stick around and watch some of the finest high school talent in the country compete in the WBCA High School All American Game. The game tips off at 4:30 p.m. and will undoubtedly showcase the women’s college stars of tomorrow.
Not enough hoops action you say?
No problem, as you can head out on April 3 to the Circle City Dribble event and be one of the thousands to dribble a basketball from Conseco Fieldhouse to the Convention Center. The event, which starts at 2 p.m. is for fans 18 and under, and participants will receive a free shirt and a basketball.
Of course, this is about big time basketball, and later that evening at 7 and 9:30 p.m., the national semifinal games will be played at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The champion will be crowned on April 5 with the title game slated for a 8:30 p.m. tip off. All games will be televised on ESPN.
Danny Bridges, who encourages everyone in Indianapolis to roll out the red carpet for the Women’s Final Four, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
NOTES: While Tourney Town will be a constant source of various types of entertainment for basketball fans throughout the tournament, it will also play host to what I feel is the most important event that will be conducted in conjunction with the Women’s Final Four. On April 3 from 10 a.m. to noon, Tourney Town will be the site for the Special Olympics Youth Clinic.
Everyone is encouraged that day to come out and support this event, and in the process, see some great basketball on display from some of the most focused and accomplished athletes you will ever encounter.
These folks are not only great basketball players, they are role models for all of us, as they display courage, tenacity, and spirit unlike none other. Venture out and see why these athletes are truly “special.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored as part of the NCAA celebration at King Park on April 4 from 5 to 6 p.m., with the event also focusing on building stronger neighborhoods through economic and cultural diversity.2011
NCAA Women’s Final Four info
• Tickets for the 2011 NCAA Women’s Final Four are still available through NCAA.com/finalfour or the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office. All-session tickets are $175 and include both Sunday’s semifinals and Tuesday’s championship game.
• Sunday’s semifinals and Tuesday’s championship game will be broadcast on ESPN.
• Check out the Fan Events that can be found at www.NCAA.com.
