The biggest stars of women’s college basketball will be heading to the Lone Star State next month.
The NCAA officially announced that the entirety of this year’s women’s basketball tournament will be held in the San Antonio area. Every game will be aired on one of the ESPN networks.
Texas to host us all for a historic tournament! #WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/voXS0Uewr3
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
@Alamodome / @uiwcardinals/ @UTSAAthletics pic.twitter.com/bPAou0Et3j
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
@UTSAAthletics pic.twitter.com/pYX9q0A8mM
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
@StMarysRattlers / @UHCougars pic.twitter.com/OCiTx2Rznx
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
@ErwinCenter / @TexasLonghorns pic.twitter.com/D0NxaOgMzX
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
@TxStateBobcats pic.twitter.com/BMhoCQuAXU
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) February 5, 2021
San Antonio was already poised to successfully host the NCAA Women’s Final Four this year, but to bring all 64 teams in this prestigious championship tournament to our city is a remarkable opportunity for our event and hospitality industry.
–San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg (NCAA release)
According to an NCAA release, first-round games will take place at the Alamodome, Bill Greehey Arena at St. Mary’s, the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas in Austin, the Texas State University Events Center in San Marcos and the UTSA Convocation Center. The Alamodome will use two courts. First round games are scheduled for March 21-22.
Second-round matchups will occur entirely in San Antonio at the Alamodome, Bill Greehey Arena and UTSA Convocation Center and are slated to be played on March 23-24.
The Alamodome will host remaining games from the Sweet 16 onto the Final Four and national championship game. The Sweet 16 is scheduled for March 27-28, Elite Eight for March 29-30 and the Women’s Final Four for April 2 and 4.
The 64-team field for the tourney will be revealed the night of March 15 on ESPN – Selection Monday. The NCAA announced it will work with local officials on medical protocols and testing procedures while no decision has been made on fans.
Teams will be housed in hotels within San Antonio and other portions of Bexar County. Practices will occur at the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center as well as at the Alamodome.
The confidence they have in San Antonio speaks volumes about our team, experience and what we can offer the event to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
–Jenny Carnes, San Antonio Sports senior VP/COO (release)
Like the 2020-21 season, we know the championship will have its challenges, but we feel we have the necessary structure and safeguards in place to ensure a quality student-athlete championship experience.
–Nina King, senior deputy AD/Duke COS/D-1 Womens’ Basketball Committee chair (release)
The regionals for the tournament were originally scheduled to occur in Austin as well as Spokane, Cincinnati, and Albany.
