NCAA Officials Announce Final Four Events For Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The NCAA Final Four announced events that will make up an entire weekend of activities.

From the Minneapolis Convention Center, to Nicollet Mall, WCCO's Reg Chapman shares where fans can be a part of all the fun, even if you don't have a ticket to the basketball games.

"We are here today to officially share 2019 NCAA Final Four program with you all," said Kate Mortenson.

A number of free and low cost events will keep the more than 90,000 fans expected to attend entertained.

Beginning April 5th, fans can take part in the Final Four Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It will feature interactive basketball activities, clinics and autograph sessions.

Tip Off Tailgate will take over Nicollet Mall with fun interactives and entertainment. And the Armory in Downtown Minneapolis will host a three-day music series featuring top talent.

"We wanted to identify a hub of basketball in the heart of our city and this is what North Commons is, explained Mortenson.

The NCAA's legacy program project will help refurbish a building where the first hoop was installed in 1908.

"When someone do something good for this park it makes me day," said Willie Jasper, a North Commons employee.

Jasper has worked here for 29 years. She cut down the nets to make way for improvements to the court and activity rooms.

"We have between 50 and 80 volunteers today between Unilever and Target and they are assisting the park board with just decluttering, organization, building new materials," said project manager, Ivan Cardona.

 This safe-haven for north side kids and elders will get some much needed upgrades, including a resurfaced gym floor.

 "North Commons we're talking about the beautiful revitalization of a project in a community center and a gym right here in North Minneapolis, so yes it's basketball, but it's also community," explained Mayor Jacob Frey.

Local companies owned by women and minorities will take the lead in this legacy project and in 66 days the work will be completed. The unveiling of the finished product will kick start all the activities for Final Four weekend.

To learn more about all the events and how you can sign up, click here.