April 2, 2026
Media Advisory: Final Four events, interviews, information
TUCSON, Ariz. — As the University of Arizona men's basketball team prepares to compete in the Final Four this weekend, the U of A will be taking part in several events in Tucson and Indianapolis, as well as scheduling interviews with U of A-connected experts and supporters.
'Galaxy Slam' heads to Indy
Astronomer Erika Hamden is available to discuss how the university's leadership in space science mirrors its success on the national stage.
Hamden, an associate professor of astronomy at Steward Observatory and director of the Arizona Space Institute, is a nationally recognized leader in building next-generation space telescopes and training future mission leaders. Her work reflects the same commitment to excellence, discipline and innovation that has propelled the men's basketball program to one of the best seasons in program history.
"At Arizona, whether it's on the court or in the lab, we are driven by the same goal to compete and lead at the highest level," Hamden said. "We're building the tools that help us understand the universe and training the people who will shape the future of space exploration. That same focus and ambition is what you see in our basketball program right now."
While Hamden will be sharing her experience from Indianapolis and cheering the Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium, she will also be tracking NASA's Artemis II mission in real time, preparing for the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years and marks a key step toward a long-term return to the Moon. The planned multi-hour lunar flyby is anticipated for Monday, April 6, the same day as the national championship game.
To coordinate interviews with Hamden, contact Mitch Zak at mitchzak@arizona.edu or 916-612-0979. Follow Hamden on Instagram.
Watch party at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena
McKale Center at ALKEME Arena is hosting a watch party for fans in Tucson. Admission is free of charge. An RSVP is required to enter, but all of the tickets were claimed Wednesday morning. Gates will open to the arena at 4:30 p.m. with tip-off tentatively set for 5:54 p.m. Fans are asked to observe the clear bag policy before entering the arena.
The watch party will immediately follow the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball National Championship game.
Media are asked to use their men's basketball season credentials or request a credential with Kai Praven (kaipraven@arizona.edu) and Jason Ground (jground@arizona.edu) via email prior to Saturday. The media entrance is through the northeast corner of McKale Center. Contact Praven and Ground with any questions.
Send-off at TUS
Tucson International Airport (TUS), in partnership with the U of A, will host a send-off celebration for fans traveling to Indianapolis. Travelers on the 11:30 a.m. Friday Southwest Airlines flight will be welcomed with a festive, Wildcat‑themed transformation of the ticket counter and departure gate. A return nonstop flight is scheduled to arrive back in Tucson the morning of Tuesday, April 7.
Interviews with TUS and U of A representatives are scheduled to take place at the Southwest ticket counter at 9:30 a.m. The airport's team will escort media to the Southwest gate to interview fans and see activities from 10-11 a.m.
Media can contact Austin Wright, chief communications officer at the Tucson Airport Authority, at awright@flytucson.com or 520-257-0022.
'Bear Down Bash' comes to Indiana
The U of A Alumni Association is hosting "Bear Down Bash" – the university's official pregame event – at Platform Indy, 302 S. Meridian St., on Saturday from 3-5 p.m.
Howl at the Moon, 20 E. Georgia St., will be the official bar and gathering spot for U of A fans throughout the weekend.
Media interested in attending the "Bear Down Bash" or any other U of A-related events taking place in Indianapolis can email Mitch Zak at mitchzak@arizona.edu or 916-612-0979 for additional information.
Media contact:
University Communications
media_requests@list.arizona.edu
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.