The Perpetual Tourist

We’re well into March Madness now, and just a few games away from finding out who will be playing in the 2008 NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. Whether your team makes it or not, seeing the Final Four live is a thrilling experience for any college basketball fan. According to the NCAA website, tickets are still available through the NCAA Ticket and Hospitality Packages, so it’s not too late if you haven’t decided yet.

One of my favorite things about big sports events is that there’s so much going on besides just the big game. There are tons of sponsors, and all those sponsors set up events and activities for the fans in attendance with free entertainment and giveaways. This year in San Antonio, there will be free performances by Fall Out Boy, Kid Rock, Taylor Swift, 3 Doors Down, Robert Earl Keen and more still to be announced.

At Hoop City, open each day of the five day event, fans can compete in games, take clinics, go to autograph sessions, and meet basketball celebrities of the past, present, and future. In addition to all the music and basketball, there will be parties, fireworks, and fun for the whole family. Find the full schedule of events here.

While the men get all the attention, the women are playing their own tournament, and the Women’s Final Four is a major event, too. The women’s championship will be held in Tampa Bay, Florida this year. You’ll find many of the same events in Tampa Bay, with games, parties, and clinics. Find a complete schedule of events at the Women’s Final Four here.

Those who go to either (or both) of this year’s Final Four tournaments will get to welcome spring in a sunny city. They’ll play games, be entertained and get lots of freebies courtesy of the tournament’s sponsors. Oh yeah, and there’s some basketball, too. Good luck with your brackets, and may your favorite team win (as long as your favorite team isn’t UNC).