COLUMBUS (May 8, 2020) – The Greater Columbus Sports Commission, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Arena submitted the final bid today for Columbus to host the 2025 or 2026 Women’s Final Four. Columbus was selected in January as one of four finalists to be a host city.

“When we played host to the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four, our community made such a powerful impression on the sports world,” said Linda Shetina Logan, executive director, Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “That event showcased our great city to thousands of people – whether players coaches, fans or those watching on TV, and we’re looking forward to making an even bigger impact in 2025 or 2026.”

Due to the impact of COVID-19, members of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and staff will virtually visit each finalist city in August versus an in-person site visit as originally planned. Then a virtual presentation will be made by each finalist city to the 10-member committee on Sept. 23 with the selection announcement coming in October 2020.

In the January announcement, the NCAA shared that each of the four cities selected demonstrate a mix of NCAA championship host experience.

“The number and quality of potential host cities for the Women’s Final Four continues to grow,” said Diane Turnham, chair of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and senior associate athletics director at Middle Tennessee. “The Women’s Final Four selection process continues to be successful in identifying those cities that will raise the bar for one of America’s premier sporting events and the world’s women’s basketball events.”

Tampa, Phoenix and Portland are the other three finalists to host the 2025 and 2026 Women’s Final Four. For the full release from the NCAA, click here.

Columbus is a top destination for girls and women’s sporting events and will host these events in upcoming years:

  • NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship | November 2020 | Capital University – Capital Center
  • NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship | March 2021 | Ohio Dominican – Alumni Hall
  • NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship – Regionals | May 2021 | Ohio State Golf Club – Scarlet Course
  • NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship & American Volleyball Coaches Association Annual Convention | December 2021 | Nationwide Arena & Greater Columbus Convention Center
  • National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship | April 2022 | Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl

 

About The Greater Columbus Sports Commission:

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission’s mission is to rally Columbus to compete and win sporting events, providing a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impacting image, economy and lifestyle. Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has brought 500 new sporting events to Columbus, generating an estimated $605 million in direct visitor spending.

 

Media Contacts:

Jenn Cartmille | Greater Columbus Sports Commission | 614-643-6382 | jcartmille@columbussports.org

Sarah Irvin | Irvin PR/Greater Columbus Sports Commission | 614-296-4057 | sarah@irvinpr.com