Thousands of fans gather around Minneapolis to celebrate the Women’s Final Four
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Thousands of NCAA Women’s Final Four fans participated in parties around Minneapolis ahead of Friday’s big game.
Party on the Plaza is fan central. The event is held on First Avenue in front of The Target Center.
Hundreds of people celebrated the Women’s Final Four with music, food, and games. Fans also spent the day at Tourney Town, located at the Minneapolis Convention Center
“It’s really exciting. We wanted to be a part of that action,” Heather Halen, a basketball fan, said.
Tourney Town is everything basketball. The three-day event is filled with games, giveaways, and contests.
A Final Four display is seen at Tourney Town during setup Thursday, March 31, 2022, in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event space will host women's basketball fans for watch parties, activities, panel discussions and more. (KSTP)
At the photo wall, patrons can snag selfies with their favorite team.
“We took pictures with all four teams so we could be with the winning team,” Halen said.
Richard Matheny traveled to Minneapolis with one team in mind – South Carolina.
It’s the eighth time he will be watching a Final Four tournament that from the stands.
“I like women’s basketball, [and] it’s more like when I was growing up. It’s a team sport,” Matheny said, adding, “the men tend to be more individual.”
Some attendees turned back time and traveled through decades of women’s basketball history.
Rob Chose’s 14-year-old daughter plays basketball. He said seeing the accomplishments of women athletes could impact her future.
“To empower her dreams, hopes, and all those aspirations in her head, so she knows everything is possible,” Chose said.
Women athletes of the past are inspiring players of the future.
“It will allow her to see herself potentially being here, and that is absolutely fantastic,” Chose said.