Indiana State University students are getting an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host one of the largest sporting events in the country - the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
Through a highly competitive course experience, Sycamores are learning what goes into the planning, organization, and execution of the championship event in Indianapolis, working directly with the Indianapolis local organizing committee and learning from industry professionals across a range of technical and leadership roles.
The course, taught remotely each week through the NCAA at Indiana University Indianapolis, offers students a rare insider perspective. Indiana State is one of only six universities in the state selected to participate, joining Indiana University – Indianapolis (who is the host institution), the University of Indianapolis, Indiana University Kokomo, Ball State University, and Butler University. The selective nature of the program was evident from the start – 35 Indiana State students applied, with 21 chosen to represent majors in sport management, kinesiology, and business.
Students are not just studying the Final Four—they are actively contributing to it. A required component of the course includes volunteering during Final Four weekend, with Indiana State students scheduled to serve on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. Their involvement provides hands-on experience in event operations and fan engagement during one of the most high-profile weekends in collegiate athletics.
The class also recently observed a mock selection process, offering insight into the detailed and strategic decisions that determine host sites and participating teams. Weekly guest speakers from the NCAA and event management fields further expand students’ understanding of logistics, branding, security, media relations, and community impact.
As part of the experiential learning component, students are developing and executing a campus-wide marketing campaign designed to increase attendance at ancillary Final Four events throughout Indianapolis. The top student team will have the opportunity to present its campaign directly to NCAA leadership at the end of April—an invaluable professional experience that could open doors to future careers in sport management and major event planning.
By blending classroom instruction with real-world application, Indiana State University continues to demonstrate its commitment to career-connected learning—preparing Sycamores not just to attend major events, but to lead them.