The final Final Four? Phoenix faces rising competition as marquee sports events shift Las Vegas, Los Angeles

PHOENIX – Historically, Arizona has been a destination for marquee sporting events, but with new competition from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Arizona is facing competition to maintain its status as a host city.

Despite its strong infrastructure and track record of successful hosting, Phoenix must adapt to maintain its status as a top destination for sports and entertainment. (Photo by Daniella Trujillo/Cronkite News)

Final Four Updates: Purdue fans, students have large presence at men’s national championship game

GLENDALE – Arizona’s early elimination from the Men’s NCAA Tournament have help make championship tickets a little more affordable. Some were going for as low as $100 Monday afternoon.

Purdue coach Matt Painter can change the fortune of the Big Ten Conference. In seven title game appearances since 2001, the conference is 0-7. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

The first Indigenous woman in space never planned on becoming an astronaut

AVONDALE – It was never in her plans to become the first Indigenous woman in space but Nicole Mann’s career path eventually took her there. At Estrella Mountain Community College, she shares her unorthodox journey of becoming a NASA astronaut.


UConn coach Dan Hurley’s recipe for success: passion, tough love and player respect

GLENDALE – UConn coach Dan Hurley is on the brink of his second national title in as many years ahead of Monday’s matchup with Purdue. But what makes one of the biggest personalities in college basketball unique and so dominant?


‘They’re close to being bulletproof’: A united UConn team outlasts Alabama in Final Four showdown

GLENDALE – Teamwork helped the UConn Huskies handle the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday night in Glendale. They will try to win their second straight men’s title game when they face Purdue Monday night.


National championship bound: Purdue’s supporting cast fuels victory over NC State

GLENDALE – For the first time since 1969, the Purdue Boilermakers are in the men’s national championship game after defeating NC State 63-50. Purdue will face Connecticut in the title game.


Walter Davis, Doug Collins, Michele Timms highlight Arizona ties to 2024 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame class

GLENDALE – Saturday morning the 2024 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame class that included Phoenix Suns legend Walter Davis was announced in Glendale. Of the 13 inductees, Phoenix played some role in a majority of their playing careers.


Guards could take spotlight when UConn, Alabama square off in Men’s Final Four

GLENDALE – In the NCAA Tournament, guard play can be the difference in making a deep postseason run. Mark Sears of Alabama and Tristen Newton of UConn are game-changers in the Men’s Final Four.


From Tempe to Storrs, Connecticut: UConn A.D. David Benedict embraces success of basketball teams

PHOENIX – Tempe native David Benedict is back in the Valley to watch the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team in the Men's Final Four. The athletic director was also an associate athletic director at Arizona State.


Jaelen House, Jack Gohlke embrace ‘March Madness’ experience at NABC College All-Star Game

GLENDALE – With careers coming to an end, 20 senior standouts in college basketball, including former Arizona State guard Jaelen House, played one final game at the Reese’s NABC All-Star Game on the Final Four court Friday. Even though some fell short in the NCAA tournament, they will always remember the experience.


Math to Madness: Nate Oats’ underdog journey leads Alabama to Men’s Final Four

GLENDALE – Just 11 years ago, Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats was a math teacher and high school basketball coach in Michigan. His underdog approach has fueled the Crimson Tide to the Men’s Final Four.


‘It’s going to be a bloodbath’: Purdue, NC State highlight battle of the big men in 2024 Men’s Final Four

GLENDALE– In a world of positionless basketball, Purdue and NC State are riding on the backs of big men Zach Edey and DJ Burns Jr. in the Men’s Final Four.