Free Things to Do During the 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four

From April 1-3, the Twin Cities will be the epicenter of women’s basketball, as a champion is crowned in the 2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball tourney. It’s a historic event, not only because it’s the first time since 1995 that Minneapolis has hosted the tournament, but also because this year marks the 40th anniversary of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. From concerts to fan fests and exploring the city, here are 10 free ways to take it all in:

From concerts to fan fests and exploring the city, here are 10 free ways to take it all in.

1. Cheer on the Teams

Friday, April 1

National Semifinal Game 1 | South Carolina vs Louisville, 6pm CST
National Semifinal Game 2 | Stanford vs. Connecticut, 8:30pm CST

Sunday, April 3

National Championship Game | 7pm

If you don't have tickets to the games, you can still sport your team colors and cheer these amazing college athletes on! All games will be televised on ESPN, so find a Saint Paul sports bar to cheer on the next NCAA Women’s Final Four champions. Check out our Restaurant Guide and click on "Cuisine Type" to filter for Sports Bars.

2. Attend Open Practice

When: Saturday, April 2, 2022
Where: Target Center
FREE to attend

Did you know you can catch the two championship teams on the court even if you don’t have tickets to the games? On Saturday, fans are invited to the week’s only open practice. It's an incredible opportunity to see the teams up close and to be in the venue hosting the final Championship game on Sunday.

Celebrate 50 Years of Girls & Women in Sports at Mall of America's Title IX Celebration

When: Sunday, March 27- Sunday, April 3, 2022

Where: Mall of America

FREE to attend

The Title IX Celebration at Mall of America commemorates the 50th anniversary of the landmark education amendment, Title IX. The event recognizes and honors the trailblazers who came before us and inspired future generations of change-makers with a FULL line-up of athlete appearances and entertainment, contests and giveaways, and Title IX Celebration deals throughout MOA. More info

4. Make your way to Tourney Town

When: Friday, April 1- Sunday, April 3, 2022
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
FREE to attend

The tournament’s Official Fan Festival is free and open to the public. Tourney Town is an indoor festival packed with special appearances, games, giveaways, team displays, photo ops, contests and more. More info

5. Bring the kids to BOUNCE

When: Sunday, April 3, 2022 | 1pm
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
FREE for youth ages 18 and under - PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Youth ages 18 and under and invited to jump into Women’s Final Four action with the NCAA Women's Final Four Bounce presented by Buick. Join thousands of fans dribbling their way along the streets of Minneapolis in this unique parade. Not only is it free, but the first 2,000 participants will receive a basketball and t-shirt. More info

6. There’s a Concert, too!

When: Saturday, April 2 | 6-10pm
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
FREE to attend

The Super Saturday Concert presented by AT&T is a must-see event featuring live music, a celebration of women’s basketball and more! Emmy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling recording artist Rachel Platten will be headlining. More info

7. Party on the Plaza

When: Friday - Sunday, April 1-3, 2022
Where: Outside Target Center
FREE to attend

This free outdoor party is a tip-off to the national semifinal and championship games. Celebrate the Final Four teams, listen to music, grab official merchandise, and enjoy a bite to eat while participating in various fan-friendly interactive games. More info

8. Check out the Dream Court

The NCAA Women’s Final Four Legacy Program is making a lasting impact by partnering with Nancy Lieberman Charities to refurbish the outdoor basketball court at the Hall Stem Academy in North Minneapolis. The Dream Court is a state-of-the-art playing surface with markings for basketball, tennis, and pickleball. Located a few blocks off West Broadway, the school sits on a beautiful block with trees, grassy areas, and playgrounds open to the community during non-school hours. On March 30, 2022, The Dream Court will be dedicated. Learn more

9. Go Behind the Scenes and Volunteer

An event like the 2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four isn’t possible without a deep lineup of dedicated and friendly volunteers. If making sure visitors and fans are having a positive experience, sounds like fun to you, check out current volunteer opportunities to be part of making this event a success. Learn more

10. Explore Minnesota's Capital City

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer so much to explore, and you’re sure to see plenty of basketball fans out and about as you explore attractions over championship weekend. Here are 10 free things to do in Saint Paul:

Tour the Minnesota State Capitol and discover its incredible history, art, and architecture.
Get close to the Mississippi River and explore the Visitor Center located in the Science Museum of Minnesota
Discover Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, one of the last free zoos in the country.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the United States.
Make a stop at Landmark Center in Downtown Saint Paul - tour "the castle", the Schubert Club Music Museum, Gallery of Wood Art and enjoy free entertainment
Step into the 1920s at Union Depot - tour the historic train station, see the world's largest Lite Brite mural, and there's even free yoga on Saturday
Take your pick of Saint Paul's unique markets and food halls - you're sure to find lively sights and sounds (not to mention delicious aromas) at Hmongtown Marketplace, St. Paul Farmer's Market, Hmong Village, and Keg & Case Market
Take a stroll down Summit Avenue, the longest stretch of Victorian houses in the country
Go on a mural hunt - you'll find eye-catching public art throughout the city, and especially within the Creative Enterprise Zone, hosts of the Chroma Zone Mural Arts Festival each summer
Dive deep into Saint Paul's cultural connections with a visit to Indian Mounds Park, home to Indigenous burial grounds and Phalen Park to see the China Friendship Garden - at both locations, look for stone carvings and sculptures created as part of Minnesota Rocks!

Show us how you're taking part in the 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four celebrations by sharing on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok with #MySaintPaul!

2022 NCAA Women's Final Four

April 1-3