Hoops on Houston Street

San Antonio Gears Up for the 2025 NCAA Final Four

San Antonio is already buzzing with excitement as the countdown begins for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four, set to take place from April 5-7, 2025, at the Alamodome. With the spotlight soon to shine brightly on the Alamo City, the community is coming together in true San Antonio fashion to celebrate—and "Hoops on Houston Street," held this past Saturday, September 14, was the perfect way to get the ball rolling.

The event, hosted by the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee in partnership with the City of San Antonio, was a massive success, bringing fans, families, and basketball lovers to the heart of downtown. Legacy Park, located between Houston and Main Streets, became a basketball playground, filled with interactive games, competitions, and all-around fun. The streets were shut down to make room for the festivities, creating a lively atmosphere that drew in people from all over the city.

This event marked the official kick-off of the 2025 Final Four Fan Jam and Trophy Tour, a series of activities leading up to the NCAA’s biggest weekend. Free and open to the public, "Hoops on Houston Street" emphasized community engagement, inviting people of all ages to celebrate their love of basketball.

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The spirit of San Antonio was on full display throughout the event. Attendees were treated to an array of basketball-themed activities, from shooting contests to skill challenges, giving everyone the chance to experience the game firsthand. It wasn’t just about competition, though—the event was designed to unite the community through shared excitement for the upcoming tournament.

Adding to the electric atmosphere were the cheerleading teams from UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) and UIW (University of the Incarnate Word), who kept the energy high with their chants and routines. Their mascots also made appearances, creating memorable photo opportunities for fans of all ages.

Perhaps the most exciting guest of the day was San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who is in his final term as mayor and has been a champion of bringing major events like the Final Four to the city. His presence highlighted the significance of the event and its role in setting the stage for San Antonio’s second time hosting the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The 2025 Final Four will mark the second time San Antonio has had the honor of hosting this prestigious event. The last time was in 2018, when the Alamodome witnessed one of the most thrilling Final Four weekends in recent memory, as Villanova claimed the championship in front of a packed house. The city earned high praise from fans, players, and NCAA officials alike for its hospitality, vibrant downtown, and seamless logistics.

Now, with another chance to welcome basketball’s best back to the Alamodome, San Antonio is ready to once again put on a show that will be remembered for years to come.

The Final Four weekend is more than just about basketball games; it’s a celebration of the sport and the community that surrounds it. And, if "Hoops on Houston Street" was any indication, the Alamo City is already off to a great start.

Saturday’s event was the first in a series of activations designed to build excitement leading up to the Final Four. With the Trophy Tour and the Fan Jam still to come, San Antonians will have plenty of opportunities to engage with the event and celebrate the rich basketball culture of the city. These events are a chance for the community to come together, not just to enjoy the game, but to show the world why San Antonio is the perfect host for such a monumental sporting event.

As we look ahead to April 2025, the excitement is palpable. "Hoops on Houston Street" was more than just a fun day of basketball; it was a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together. The success of this event has set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable journey toward the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

As the city prepares for one of the biggest weekends in college sports, fans and families alike can look forward to more events, more basketball, and more opportunities to show their love for the game. The road to the 2025 Final Four has officially begun, and San Antonio is ready to lead the way.