See celebs, tailgates as Final Four Fan Fest kicks off in Indianapolis

Jalen Rose moderated a panel discussion around players facing adversity coming back from injuries
Indiana Pacers star Jalen Rose moderated a panel discussion Friday with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Kansas forward Darryn Peterson, a potential NBA lottery pick, on why prioritizing health is so critical.
It’s another huge weekend in Indianapolis as March Madness descends on the Circle City for Final Four weekend. The crowning of a new men’s college basketball champion comes with plenty of lead-up and fanfare, and our team is out capturing it all.
The weekend includes tailgating events, celebrities and autograph signings, concerts, art festivals, oh yeah, and basketball. You can find a full guide to the events, traffic tips, game info and more here.
Here are the sights and sounds from opening day of the festivities:
Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate
Inside Fan Fest with IndyStar
See inside NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest in Indianapolis
March Madness hits Indy and IndyStar is there to bring you the sights and sounds. See inside of Fan Fest opening night.
Caitlin Clark, Jalen Rose and Fan Fest Day 1
Caitlin Clark on the growth of women’s sports: Fans ‘want to be there’
Caitlin Clark’s comments during a panel discussion with Jalen Rose and Darryn Peterson
See the crowds, musicians at Fan Fest
Madness in Indy: See the lines as Final Four fan frenzy gets underway
See the dedication of fans as they line up for miles through the streets of Indianapolis for the 2026 NCAA Final Four weekend.



