HOUSTON — Tens of thousands of people packed venues for the first three days of Final Four events in Houston and everything has been smooth as silk so far!
Houston has welcomed visiting fans with some good old-fashioned Texas hospitality and even the weather cooperated. Locals also turned out in droves for the March Madness Music Festival, Fan Fest and other events.
No doubt, H-Town can be a little overwhelming for visitors so it's good to have a game plan. That's why we've put together this guide that includes events, how to get to them and where to park.
Final Four championship game tickets
Even though there aren't any Texas teams or No. 1 seeds in the Final Four, Saturday's semi-final games were sellouts. The total attendance was 73,860, according to the NCAA.
If you’re trying to get last-minute tickets for Monday’s championship game, the odds are in your favor.
"There are quite of bit of tickets left, about 3,000 to 5,000 on the secondary market right now,” Kayla Ramsey, with Midtown Tickets Houston, said Sunday.
Final Four tickets usually cost a pretty penny, but you can score pretty good seats for the UConn-San Diego State matchup for less than $100!
"There are tickets starting at about $50 to $75 each to get in the door -- that’s upper level. Anything in the 500 level is about $100 each, anything in lower level that’s about $150 each," Ramsey said.
Numbers from StubHub show that the last time Houston hosted the Final Four in 2016, championship game tickets averaged almost $300. The cheapest tickets in 2022 went for $368, according to TickPick.com.
Fan Fest
You don't have to be a basketball fan to have a blast at Fan Fest downtown at the GRB Convention Center and it continues today from noon to 6 p.m.
The family-friendly includes interactive games, celebs, legendary athletes and autographs. We're the only TV station broadcasting live inside the GRB so be sure you stop by and say howdy!
Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Fans with tickets to Final Four or the Astros and Rockets games this weekend also get in free.
DAILY SCHEDULE: Plan your day at Fan Fest
March Madness Music Festival
The free, three-day music festival was a smashing success with Houston's own Megan Thee Stallion, Lil' Nas X, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw headlining.
The concerts Friday, Saturday and Sunday were outdoors at Discovery Green and they didn't disappoint.
Downtown transportation
Parking and traffic in downtown Houston can be rough on a regular day. Add the Final Four events plus Astros and Rockets games and you're best bet is to leave the driving to someone else.
- If you’re going to the Final Four festivities, you can ride the METRORail for FREE from Friday, March 31 through Monday, April 3. The free rides are on the red, green and purple rail lines. You can plan your route here on the RideMetro app.
- Rideshare apps and taxis are another option but be prepared for surge pricing and long waits. Rideshare and taxi locations:
- Pedicabs will be running downtown again Monday from noon to 6 p.m. Here’s a map of where you can catch a ride.
Downtown parking
There is plenty of parking in downtown Houston, but there will also be a bunch of people, so plan ahead.
One of your best options is to park on the north side of downtown in the Theater District or University of Houston-Downtown, then jump on the METRORail.
You can also use one of several parking apps like DowntownHouston.org. Just click on the garage or lot icon of your choice. Some apps will allow you to reserve a space now for the Final Four weekend. Some will even show you how many spaces are available.
Street closures
Some streets downtown will be closed all weekend so plan accordingly.
- Avenida de las Americas between McKinney and Lamar
- McKinney between LaBranch and Crawford Street
- LaBranch between Lamar and McKinney Street
- Lamar between LaBranch and Crawford Street
Getting to Final Four games
All METRORail rides are free this weekend and the light rail will take you from downtown to NRG Stadium and back.
You can also catch a FREE shuttle to and from the fan zones, stadiums and surrounding locations from March 31 through April 3. Look for the wrapped Buick Encore GXZs, Envisions and Enclaves at these three hub locations:
- NRG Stadium - Orange Lot #13
- South Transit Center (Adjacent to George R. Brown Convention Center)
- Buffalo Wild Wings @ Midtown Crossing (510 Gray St. Suite C Houston, TX)
Check your hotels for free shuttle rides, as well.
There is plenty to do in the Houston area during the Final Four festivities in
MORE COVERAGE: 2023 Final Four in Houston
PLAYLIST: Final Four coverage