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Women’s Final Four brings hoops and free fun

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – If you’re looking to enjoy the Women’s Final Four in Indianapolis, there’s plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a thing.

The road to the Women’s Final Four kicked-off Thursday with the arrival of the Syracuse women’s basketball team. While the players are here, so are the fans.

“Really excited to be Indiana,” basketball fan Brittney Washington said. “It’s a whole new culture shock to me. I haven’t really experienced it before. So I’m really excited to go to all the venues and anything I can take in.”

There certainly is a lot to take in. Starting Friday, “Tourney Town,” takes over the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.

There will be games, food and a free concert. On Saturday, a block party is planned for Georgia Street.

And if you want to see some basketball, fans can watch the teams practice at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Saturday.

“It’s an awesome experience,” Washington said. “There’s huge Division I coaches walking around every day, every second. I think it’s a very good experience just for Indiana in general to come out and support women’s basketball.”

If you’re worried about costs, don’t be. All of these fan events won’t cost you a thing.

“It’s free to the public because it really wraps the event in a nice bow,” NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships Vice President Anucha Browne said. “It’s free to the public because we want as many people to have an opportunity to engage and be a part of those events.”

Although the events are free, the Final Four is expected to bring $20 million to the local economy. But fans say, don’t let this weekend be about money.

It’s a great opportunity to support student athletes, and female role models.

“Just seeing everybody have so much passion to come and support women’s basketball, I think it’s a huge thing for us,” Washington said.

This will also be the first time the Division I, II and III women’s championships will be decided at the same site. For Division II and III, tickets start at $5. For the Final Four games, tickets start at $35.

To learn more information about the events, click here.