A ticket to the Final Four semifinals at Lucas Oil Stadium can run you $800 or more. A ticket to watch the actual teams practice on that same court the day before? Free.
Indianapolis is hosting its ninth Men's Final Four this April, and as usual, the city is putting together a full week of events that make the tournament feel accessible even if you never step inside the stadium for a game. From a three-night concert series at American Legion Mall to a kids' event that gives away 3,000 free basketballs, Final Four weekend in Indy delivers whether you've got courtside seats or just a lawn chair.
Here's everything worth knowing about the free and cheap fan events happening April 3-6, 2026.
Reese's Final Four Friday: Free Open Practices at Lucas Oil Stadium
This is the single best-kept secret of Final Four weekend, and it happens every year.
On Friday, April 3, Lucas Oil Stadium opens its doors for Reese's Final Four Friday, a free event where fans can walk into the stadium and watch all four semifinal teams run open practices on the championship court. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and also includes the NABC All-Star Game.
That means if Purdue makes it to the Final Four, you can watch the Boilermakers shoot around inside Lucas Oil for nothing. Same court, same arena, same atmosphere minus the $800 price tag. For families with kids who have never been inside the stadium, this is an easy win. For die-hard fans, it's the closest you'll get to the action without a game ticket.
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No tickets are required, but arrive early. The doors open at 11:00 AM and the good seats go fast.
NCAA March Madness Music Festival at American Legion Mall
The NCAA brings a free outdoor concert series to American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis every Final Four weekend, and the 2026 lineup is stacked.