TAMPA, Fla. —- The college basketball women’s championship will be in Tampa this week for the record-setting fourth time.

Tampa hosted the women’s Final Four in 2019, 2015, and 2008.

Claire Lessinger with the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee says since the last time the championship was hosted here, the city has changed so much.

In 2019 many areas were still construction zones and now Tampa is home to Sparkman Warf and Armature Works bookending the Riverwalk, as well as the new Water Street district.

“The Riverwalk serves as that main corridor for the fan events and then keeps everyone right here in that convenient compact very walkable very accessible district,” she said.

The basketball court with custom branding was installed in about four hours with the 'help of crews from Connor Sports and Amalie Arena.

Zach Riberdy, Director of Marketing for Connor Sports, said the court was manufactured in a small Michigan town of less than 300 people. Then it was shipped to Ohio for the logo and branding, then brought down to Tampa.

The process of installing the court started when the Tampa Bay Lightning exited the ice on Saturday evening.

“As soon as the game was over there was some ice decking put down and then the court was laid on top of that and there’s a couple more parts and pieces that move from there, but it does not feel like its in the hockey arena at all,” he said.

Events this week for the women’s Final Four include:

• Tourney Town presented by Capital One: This free festival is jam-packed with special appearances, interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, basketball contests, food, merchandise, and more. It’s located at the Tampa Convention Center and open from Thurs, Apr 3 - Sun, Apr 6.
  
  
• Party on the Plaza presented by Buick: Transforms Cotanchobee Park into an outdoor pre-game event, featuring food, beverage, merchandise sales, music, games, photo opportunities, and more. It’s open from Fri, Apr 4 - Sat, Apr 6.
  
  
• Bounce presented by Buick: A free and unique parade for youth ages 18 and under to join thousands of fans dribbling their way along the Tampa Riverwalk. The first 3000 registered participants will receive a free basketball and t-shirt. Spots are still open as of Monday morning.
  
  
• Super Saturday Practice presented by Samsung Galaxy S25: Fans can watch the final two national championship participating teams during the week's only open practice at Amalie Arena. The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
  
  
• Super Saturday Concert presented by AT&T: Performance by Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist GloRilla at Curtis Hixon Park and is free to attend.